This was shown to me tonight and its so cool.
Love for Enemies Matt 5
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Look at the context. He says we are to LOVE those who are our opponents or enemies.
Then he says that God blesses both the righteous AND the wicked.
After that, Jesus says are to be perfect as the Father is perfect.
Interesting. It appears that He is saying we must love our enemies because He loves the wicked. He proves it by letting the sun and the rain be a blessing on them. He is showing His nature and character to them and we MUST do the same thing if we love Him and keep His commandments.
Love for Enemies Matt 5
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Look at the context. He says we are to LOVE those who are our opponents or enemies.
Then he says that God blesses both the righteous AND the wicked.
After that, Jesus says are to be perfect as the Father is perfect.
Interesting. It appears that He is saying we must love our enemies because He loves the wicked. He proves it by letting the sun and the rain be a blessing on them. He is showing His nature and character to them and we MUST do the same thing if we love Him and keep His commandments.