Lesson 11 – Love Your Enemies

Matthew 5:43 – 48  

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be  children of your Father in heaven.  He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 

 Love Your Enemies –

Matthew 5:47 - 48

If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?  Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

 Love Your Enemies –

Matthew 5:47 - 48

And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others?  Do not even pagans do that?  Be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect. 

In these verses, Jesus contrasts the common understanding of love and enmity from the past with his teachings on love and forgiveness. He highlights a higher standard of love that extends beyond loving only those who are easy to love, such as neighbors, and challenges his followers to love even their enemies.

Jesus instructs his disciples not only to refrain from hatred but also to actively love and pray for those who mistreat them or persecute them. He presents this radical approach as a means of reflecting the character of God and embodying the identity of God's children.

By referencing the natural order of creation, where God's blessings of sunlight and rain are bestowed upon both the righteous and the unrighteous, Jesus illustrates the indiscriminate nature of God's love and kindness. He encourages his followers to emulate this unconditional love by loving their enemies and extending grace to all.

The underlying message is that followers of Jesus should display a love that transcends human expectations and cultural norms. Loving one's enemies and praying for those who persecute them is a transformative response that reflects the love and character of God.

However, the overall message emphasizes the call to embrace a radical love that extends even to those who may oppose or mistreat us. It is an invitation to reflect the unconditional love of God and seek reconciliation and healing in relationships, even with those considered enemies.