Transforming Enmity into Spiritual Growth
Some people perceive enemies as messengers of peace because they believe that through the trials that bring troubles and suffering, opportunities for spiritual purification and self-improvement are revealed. In their view, enemies do not act out of pure malice but instead fulfill their role in the process of humbling a person—breaking down pride and vanity, thereby allowing the soul to become purer and stronger. This approach helps transition from negative feelings to an active pursuit of peace and love even toward those who cause pain.For example, one source asserts the following:"Our true enemy is only one—the devil, who also teaches people so that they persecute us, and in large part it is he who is the cause of our malicious suffering, not people; he drives and tortures us through people, and he should be hated, while people should be pitied for listening to him. … The enemies who persecute, slander, and defame us do us more good than harm; for although they cause suffering to the body, they benefit the soul. They also humble us, breaking down our pride, vanity, and conceit, and lead us to the knowledge of ourselves and our weakness. …" (source: link txt)This viewpoint emphasizes that hostile behavior from others can promote self-examination, humility, and spiritual growth. In turn, another author highlights the practical aspects of establishing peaceful relations even with those who are hostile:"Friendly, peace-making actions towards enemies are the best means to curb, dull, and disarm the fiercest hostility, to quench any hatred. ... The very first manifestations of our love and benevolence towards enemies will soften their hatred and irritation and bring them into peaceful relations with us." (source: link txt)Thus, by perceiving enemies as messengers of peace, one can reinterpret suffering as an opportunity for inner development and hostility as a signal to cultivate love, tolerance, and a striving for peace. This approach changes our attitude toward enemies—instead of responding to hostility with malice, we endeavor to transform their approach toward us through kindness and mercy, which, according to the authors, leads to the attainment of spiritual peace and harmony.