Gospel in Art: Love your enemies

Martin Luther King, 2015 © Hans Fleurimont/The Black Art Depot, all rights reserved

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 12 September 2024
Luke 6:27-38

Jesus said to his disciples: 'I say this to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who treat you badly. To the man who slaps you on one cheek, present the other cheek too; to the man who takes your cloak from you, do not refuse your tunic. Give to everyone who asks you, and do not ask for your property back from the man who robs you. Treat others as you would like them to treat you. If you love those who love you, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks can you expect? For even sinners do that much. And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks can you expect? Even sinners lend to sinners to get back the same amount. Instead, love your enemies and do good, and lend without any hope of return. You will have a great reward, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.

'Be compassionate as your Father is compassionate. Do not judge, and you will not be judged yourselves; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned yourselves; grant pardon, and you will be pardoned. Give, and there will be gifts for you: a full measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap; because the amount you measure out is the amount you will be given back.'

Reflection on the painting

In today's conflict-ridden world, loving our enemies can seem an impossible task. The phrase "love your enemy" is often cited by those who portray Jesus as an unrealistic idealist, disconnected from the harsh realities of life. How, then, can we truly love our enemies? On 17th December 1957, Martin Luther King Jr. addressed this very question, stating: "Far from being an impractical idealist, Jesus has become the practical realist. The words of this text glitter in our eyes with a new urgency. Far from being the pious injunction of a utopian dreamer, this command is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilisation. Yes, it is love that will save our world and our civilisation-love even for enemies."

King further elaborated: "How do you go about loving your enemies? I think the first thing is this: In order to love your enemies, you must begin by analysing self. And I'm sure that seems strange to you, that I start out telling you this morning that you love your enemies by beginning with a look at self." That is very true. To truly love others, we must first embrace and cherish the unique selves that God has lovingly created in each of us.

Martin Luther King Jr was perhaps one of the 20th century's most compelling examples of how to love one's enemies. He worked to achieve a delicate balance, addressing the injustices around him and at times advocating for civil revolt, all while upholding a Christian ethos. King urged his followers to love and pray for their oppressors, grounding the Civil Rights Movement not only as a political force but also as a movement of prayer.

Our painted portrait of Martin Luther King Jr, created by Brooklyn-born artist Hans Fleurimont, uses words from King's many powerful speeches. The artist aimed to encapsulate the strength of King's message by crafting the artwork from his own words.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-6-27-38-2024/