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<blockquote data-quote="Pullman Brown" data-source="post: 6038881" data-attributes="member: 73012">Here is how Reformed Orthodoxy has harmonized that verse with the civil magistrates duty to use the sword to punish evil. Natural Revelation, Natural Theology, and Natural Law has been used also.Reformed orthodoxy has generally approached the command to love one&#039;s enemies through several theological frameworks, balancing different biblical principles:1. The distinction between personal and institutional roles- Reformed thinkers often distinguish between how individuals should respond versus how governments or institutions should act- While individuals are called to show personal love and forgiveness, governments are given authority to maintain justice and order- This helps explain how one can personally forgive while still supporting just legal consequences2. Common Grace and Total Depravity- The Reformed emphasis on common grace helps explain how we can show love to those who oppose us, recognizing God&#039;s goodness extends to all- Understanding total depravity reminds believers that they too were once enemies of God, fostering humility- This frames enemy-love as an extension of God&#039;s own mercy toward sinners3. Providence and Sovereignty- The Reformed emphasis on God&#039;s sovereignty helps frame enemies as ultimately under God&#039;s control- This can help believers trust God with outcomes rather than seeking personal vengeance- Enemies are seen as potential instruments of God&#039;s sanctifying work in believers&#039; lives4. Practical Application- Reformed teaching typically emphasizes:&nbsp; - Praying for enemies&#039; conversion and well-being&nbsp; - Showing practical kindness when possible&nbsp; - Maintaining appropriate boundaries while still showing Christ-like character&nbsp; - Distinguishing between loving enemies and enabling harmful behaviorThe core tension has often been resolved by emphasizing that loving enemies doesn&#039;t negate justice or wisdom, but rather transforms how we view and treat those who oppose us, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and supporting just social order.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Pullman Brown, post: 6038881, member: 73012"] Here is how Reformed Orthodoxy has harmonized that verse with the civil magistrates duty to use the sword to punish evil. Natural Revelation, Natural Theology, and Natural Law has been used also. Reformed orthodoxy has generally approached the command to love one's enemies through several theological frameworks, balancing different biblical principles: 1. The distinction between personal and institutional roles - Reformed thinkers often distinguish between how individuals should respond versus how governments or institutions should act - While individuals are called to show personal love and forgiveness, governments are given authority to maintain justice and order - This helps explain how one can personally forgive while still supporting just legal consequences 2. Common Grace and Total Depravity - The Reformed emphasis on common grace helps explain how we can show love to those who oppose us, recognizing God's goodness extends to all - Understanding total depravity reminds believers that they too were once enemies of God, fostering humility - This frames enemy-love as an extension of God's own mercy toward sinners 3. Providence and Sovereignty - The Reformed emphasis on God's sovereignty helps frame enemies as ultimately under God's control - This can help believers trust God with outcomes rather than seeking personal vengeance - Enemies are seen as potential instruments of God's sanctifying work in believers' lives 4. Practical Application - Reformed teaching typically emphasizes: - Praying for enemies' conversion and well-being - Showing practical kindness when possible - Maintaining appropriate boundaries while still showing Christ-like character - Distinguishing between loving enemies and enabling harmful behavior The core tension has often been resolved by emphasizing that loving enemies doesn't negate justice or wisdom, but rather transforms how we view and treat those who oppose us, while still maintaining appropriate boundaries and supporting just social order. [/QUOTE]

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