”In and through art,” Justin writes “we learn to see ourselves and our world as part of a cohesive, Divinely-orchestrated story.” Sharing songs and stories with an audience is where Justin’s gifts are most fully realized. His live shows strike a delicate balance between intellect and emotion. While his audiences are diverse, from congregates in a small rural church to young professionals in DC, most of Justin’s schedule is made up of appearances on college campuses in the continental US.
Including early releases with 5 Minute Walk Records, McRoberts has consistently made thoughtful and well crafted albums. His catalogue currently includes 7 full-length projects and handful of EP’s.
Central to Justin’s work is advocacy on behalf of the poor and oppressed through Compassion International. “Not only do the poor need us,” he writes “we need the poor to remind us what being human is about. In the same way that the poor learn to identify themselves with their lack, the wealthy learn to identify themselves with their wealth. It is in the meeting of the two that we can recognize ourselves and one another as human.”
Enemy
Justin McRoberts Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
His hatred looks so much like the hate inside of me
I've fallen like so many fools my age
Throwing stones at all who cross me
I won't become a victim of my rage
Lord, give me love for the enemy
The exception is in the greatness I so clearly lack
I will learn to see you where you said you'd be
In the least of these; in my enemies
The first verse of "Enemy" by Justin McRoberts is a powerful admission of self-reflection, introspection and humility. He acknowledges the similarities between himself and his enemy, particularly finding the "hate inside of me". This requires a great deal of self-awareness and honesty to admit that one has similar qualities to their enemy. Failing to do so can lead to a denial of one's own issues, biases and shortcomings. McRoberts is demonstrating that he recognizes his own capacity for hate and is striving to overcome it.
The second verse, however, represents a shift in perspective. McRoberts admits to having thrown stones at others, but seems determined to not become engulfed in his own rage. He is hoping for a divine intervention to give him the strength to love his enemies. The chorus, "Lord, give me love for the enemy", represents a plea for spiritual assistance. The central theme of this song is that love for one's enemy requires self-reflection rather than hatred, and the willingness to see people where they are rather than where we would like them to be.
Line by Line Meaning
It's amazing just how much I look like the enemy
I realize that I have many traits in common with the people whom I hate or who hate me and find myself capable of the same level of hostility.
His hatred looks so much like the hate inside of me
As I observe my adversaries, I find many aspects of their anger, resentment, and animosity to be resemblant of my own and recognize that my negative emotions are fueled by similar sentiments.
I've fallen like so many fools my age
Like countless others, I have made foolish mistakes in the past and have given in to anger or bitterness, which only made things worse and caused me to hurt myself and others.
Throwing stones at all who cross me
When I feel provoked or threatened, I tend to lash out and become aggressive or critical, attacking anyone who appears to challenge or undermine me.
I won't become a victim of my rage
I refuse to let my negative emotions control me or dictate my actions, and I am determined to overcome my anger or hatred before it consumes me entirely or ruins my life.
Lord, give me love for the enemy
I ask for the divine intervention and guidance that I need to see my adversaries with empathy, compassion, and kindness, and to love them despite our differences and conflicts.
It's expected that if you swing you'll find me swinging back
People assume that I will always react defensively and aggressively to any attack or criticism, as I tend to be reactive and sensitive to external stimuli, and guarded against potential threats or dangers.
The exception is in the greatness I so clearly lack
However, I admit that I am not perfect and that I lack the greatness and wisdom to handle all situations with grace and fortitude, and to resist the temptation of retaliation or revenge.
I will learn to see you where you said you'd be
I promise to look for the presence of God in everyone, especially in those who are marginalized or oppressed, and to treat my enemies with respect and dignity as fellow human beings with inherent worth and value.
In the least of these; in my enemies
I acknowledge that my enemies are not the people whom I define by their wrongdoing or hostility, but rather the ones whom I neglect, forget, or ignore, and the ones whom I see as inferior or undeserving of my love and attention.
Contributed by Nathan H. Suggest a correction in the comments below.