This struck a note..

[visionary]

So how do we love our enemies yet still see them as enemies?

 

[All Becomes New]

I don't think this quote says to view them as enemies, only that we have them. I take this to mean they are our enemies from their side not from ours.

People take this idea of having enemies too far sometimes. For example, I have heard it said that John MacArthur actually enjoys offending people. This demonstrates a heart issue to me. It would be one thing if he made enemies based solely on the Gospel message, but this is a man who makes hard stances on pretty much everything he interprets as true and he does not lighten his message at all to say, "I am not sure on this, but this is what I believe." Rather, he makes hard stances all the time when there are multiple interpretations and he just doesn't acknowledge that there are multiple interpretations. It is one reason why I like John Piper as a Calvinist and I do not like John MacArthur as a Calvinist.

 

[eleos1954]

So how do we love our enemies yet still see them as enemies?

so we look at Jesus as our example

Christ loved his enemies by feeding them, teaching them, and having compassion on them even when he knew they would later kill him (Matt. 9:36; Matt. 12:15; Matt. 14:13-21).

CHRIST PRAYED FOR HIS ENEMIES.
With his dying breath, Jesus prayed for those who put him to death.

And Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do. (Lk. 23:34)

CHRIST DIED FOR HIS ENEMIES.
Christ loves the world so much that he died a terrible and shameful death on a cross. (Rom. 5:10).

For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. (Rom. 5:10)

We were once Christ's enemies, but he so loves us that he offers us healing, food to satisfy our hunger, and a share in his exalted and glorified life through union with his death and resurrection.

so we share the gospel of His Love ... at what cost?

Matthew 24:9
New International Version
“Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death, and you will be hated by all nations because of me. (rather sobering)

Jesus Was Intolerant Toward Sin - intolerant toward the evil that enslaves the sinner.
but was tolerant toward the sinner

are we up to the task? (rhetorical question)

 

[Humble Penny]

So how do we love our enemies yet still see them as enemies?

When I look at Revelation and work backwards I see that God and Yeshua demonstrate their love by telling us the end for all sinners in advance, and then leave the choice up to us between Life and Death. It's clear that all sinners are enemies to God, yet He still reaches out to us just as He sent Jonah to the Ninehvites in the hopes that we might repent and turn from sin and death.

So it would seem that we ought to do the same for our fellow men and women, and know that we at least told them what the right way is and that they're going the wrong way. And if they choose to not repent then we will leave the judgement until the Millennial Kingdom and the Final Judgment.

 

[visionary]

So how do we love our enemies yet still see them as enemies?

Know your enemies helps you change from combative to compassion. The enemy is still recognized for who they are while the compassion sees how God envisions they could be. Then prayers are more fruitful. The term enemy.. means they are currently in destructive mode and caution is advised.

 

[Humble Penny]

Know your enemies helps you change from combative to compassion. The enemy is still recognized for who they are while the compassion sees how God envisions they could be. Then prayers are more fruitful. The term enemy.. means they are currently in destructive mode and caution is advised.

Origin and meaning of enemy by Etymonline

enemy | Etymology, origin and meaning of enemy by etymonline

When you look at the etymology of enemy it is from the Latin inimicus literally "not my friend" from {in-} "not" + {imicus} "friend". So while there are many people who aren't our friends, enemy as it relates to the context of your OP would mean those opposed to God. And from the words of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah:

"He who gathers not with me scatters".
"Whoever is not with me is against us".

Therefore if we are not friends of Christ then--whether we realize it or not--we are not friends of God. And if my memory is correct Abraham was the first to be called a friend of God.

 

[visionary]

Origin and meaning of enemy by Etymonline

enemy | Etymology, origin and meaning of enemy by etymonline

When you look at the etymology of enemy it is from the Latin inimicus literally "not my friend" from {in-} "not" + {imicus} "friend". So while there are many people who aren't our friends, enemy as it relates to the context of your OP would mean those opposed to God. And from the words of our Lord Yeshua the Messiah:

"He who gathers not with me scatters".
"Whoever is not with me is against us".

Therefore if we are not friends of Christ then--whether we realize it or not--we are not friends of God. And if my memory is correct Abraham was the first to be called a friend of God.

Exactly... That is also why extreme caution needs to used when around non believers. Their scattering skills and opposing agenda can do some serious damage to relationships, emotions, faith, and self-worth.