Loving Your Enemies

In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus addresses a distorted interpretation of God's law that allowed people to limit their love to those like themselves. The religious leaders had twisted Scripture by adding 'hate your enemy' to God's command to 'love your neighbor as yourself.' Jesus corrects this by pointing to God's character, who extends care to all people regardless of their response to Him.Jesus gives several compelling reasons for loving our enemies: it reflects our true identity as God's children, distinguishes us from the world, and leads us toward spiritual maturity. Even tax collectors, the most despised members of society in Jesus' day, could love those who loved them. But Jesus calls us to a higher standard—to be complete or mature as our heavenly Father is perfect.This radical love begins with prayer, which changes our hearts toward those who have hurt us. When we pray for our enemies, God's Spirit ministers to our spirit, helping us become more like Christ. This doesn't minimize our hurt but calls us to a higher way—absorbing the cost of forgiveness just as Christ absorbed the cost of our sin.