Love Your Enemies

Teaching about Love for Enemies

“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Bible: King James Version Chapter 5

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust. For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

The Holy Bible: King James Version Chapter 5

Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’* and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 1

* * 5:43 Lev 19:18.

* * 5:44 Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Compare Luke 6:27–28.

* * 5:47 Greek your brothers.

1 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 5:43–48.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’* and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. 46 If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. 47 If you are kind only to your friends,* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. 48 But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect. 1

* * 5:43 Lev 19:18.

* * 5:44 Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Compare Luke 6:27–28.

* * 5:47 Greek your brothers.

1 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 5:43–48

43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.11 The Holy Bible: King James Version., electronic ed. of the 1769 edition of the 1611 Authorized Version. (Bellingham WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1995), Mt 5:43–45.

43 “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’* and hate your enemy. 44 But I say, love your enemies!* Pray for those who persecute you! 45 In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.1* * 5:43 Lev 19:18.

* * 5:44 Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Compare Luke 6:27–28.

1 Tyndale House Publishers, Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, 2015), Mt 5:43–45.

Stuart Weber emphasizes that true righteousness, as taught by Jesus, transcends mere outward appearances and religious formalities. In his discourse, Jesus contrasts the superficial righteousness of the Pharisees with a deeper, more authentic righteousness that reflects the heart of God’s law. He presents six examples, known as “the six antitheses,” where he challenges the traditional interpretations of the law by stating, “But I tell you,” thereby asserting his authority as the original author and ultimate interpreter of the law. This direct communication underscores the personal relationship believers have with the truth, facilitated by the Holy Spirit. Weber notes that Jesus’ teachings serve as samples rather than exhaustive lists, encouraging believers to grasp the underlying principles and apply them to various life situations. For instance, while discussing love, Jesus highlights the command to love one’s neighbor but counters the flawed notion of hating one’s enemy, urging followers to emulate God’s impartial love. He illustrates that true love extends to all, including enemies, reflecting God’s character. The call to “be perfect” as the Father is perfect signifies a pursuit of maturity and completeness in one’s faith. Weber concludes that the righteousness of Jesus’ followers should not only be distinct from worldly standards but also serve as a transformative force in the world, showcasing the grace and mercy inherent in God’s kingdom. This righteousness is not merely about adhering to rules but about embodying the heart intentions of God’s instructions, which requires diligent study and a sincere pursuit of understanding.

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Matthew, pp 65–66, 69–70

Leadership Ministries Worldwide emphasizes the profound significance of human relationships, particularly the command to love one’s enemies, which challenges conventional interpretations of love and enmity. The commentary critiques the historical misinterpretation of the law, where love was limited to neighbors within one’s community, while enemies were deemed unworthy of love. The author highlights that true love, as taught by Christ, extends even to those who oppose us, urging believers to engage in acts of kindness, blessing, and prayer for their adversaries. This radical love is not merely a suggestion but a reflection of one’s identity as a child of God, aligning believers with God’s nature, who shows kindness to both the righteous and the wicked. The commentary further explains that loving one’s enemies distinguishes believers from others, as it requires a deliberate choice to act against human instinct, which often leans towards retaliation. The author underscores that this love is not complacent acceptance of wrongdoing but a proactive stance that seeks the good of others, even those who may not reciprocate. The call to “be perfect” is framed as a pursuit of maturity in love, where believers are encouraged to grow in their capacity to love as God loves. This journey towards perfection is marked by a commitment to embodying God’s love in all relationships, thereby fostering a community that reflects divine love and grace. Ultimately, the commentary serves as a reminder that the essence of Christian living is rooted in the transformative power of love, which transcends personal grievances and extends to all humanity, inviting believers to actively participate in God’s redemptive work in the world.

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The Gospel according to Matthew 1: Chapters 1:1–16:12 (King James Version), pp 98–102

5:43 Love your neighbor Jesus is quoting Lev 19:18 here. Hate your enemy This phrase does not appear in the law (or anywhere else in the Hebrew Bible), but it might allude to Deut 23:3–6 (compare Pss 137:7–9; 139:21–22). It could also just be a colloquialism of the time. 5:44 love The focus of Jesus’ ethical teaching (see Matt 22:34–40). Love AYBD 5:45 you may be sons of your Father Just as God gives the good gifts of sun and rain to all people without distinction, members of the kingdom should act with love, kindness, and generosity toward all. Jesus’ followers should reflect God’s character. 5:46 tax collectors These were some of the most hated people in Israel, due to the nature of their work and their association with the Roman government. Tax collectors generally obtained their posts from Roman authorities through a bidding system. They often made sizeable profits by levying higher taxes than Rome required. Consequently, Jews regarded Jewish tax collectors as traitors and as members of the lowest level of society. The mention of tax collectors alongside non-Jewish people (v. 47) reflects not only their poor reputation, but also the scope of Jesus’ ministry to redeem all of humanity, including the outcasts of society. Matthew, the likely author of this Gospel, was a tax collector, and Jews viewed his inclusion among Jesus’ disciples as scandalous (9:9–13). Taxes DJG 5:47 Gentiles The Greek text here refers to non-Jews—people who were not ethnically part of Israel. Gentiles 5:48 you be perfect Those who demonstrate love in the manner attributed to God the Father will become perfect—complete or mature.

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