We dedicated the past few posts to situations involving those seeking ours, or being sought out to help. We will now discuss those that are considered our "enemies," hoping and even acting on damaging us. Rabbenu Bachya teaches us that we should "bear their scorn" and trust in H'shem. He continues " He should not pay them back in kind but in kindness." I would like to interject here that I think this is what makes us as Jews stand out from all mankind. Knowing that we do not have to take action, only that the Universe is controlled by H'shem and we need to raise our standards of how we treat others, no matter who they are even someone wishing for our downfall. Rabbenu Bachya continues, "Any favor that he can do for them he should do, bearing in mind that his well- being and injury are in the hands of the Creator May he be exalted"
pg 427
