“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? Therefore, you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
It is easy to love those who love us back — but Jesus raises the standard. He calls His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This command goes against our natural instincts, but it reflects the very heart of God.
God shows kindness to both the righteous and the unrighteous. The sun rises and the rain falls on everyone, regardless of how they treat Him. When we love our enemies, we mirror our heavenly Father’s character and show the world a love that is not based on merit but on grace.
Jesus challenges us not to settle for ordinary love, which is common to everyone. Instead, He calls us to extraordinary love — the kind of love that points others to Him.
Why It Matters
Loving our enemies is one of the most powerful testimonies of the gospel. It demonstrates that Christ is at work in us, transforming our hearts beyond what the world can explain. When we pray for those who hurt us and choose forgiveness over hatred, we reveal that God’s love is greater than human hostility.
This kind of love is not easy, but it is essential. It breaks cycles of bitterness, reflects the love of Christ, and invites others to experience His grace. Our calling is not to love like the world does, but to love like our Father in heaven.
A Prayer for Today
Lord, give me the strength to love those who are difficult to love. Help me to forgive those who have wronged me and to pray for those who oppose me. Shape my heart to reflect Yours, that I may love not just in words, but in action. Amen.
Questions to Guide Your Reflection
- Who in my life do I find hardest to love or forgive?
- How can I begin praying for that person today?
- What does it mean for me to reflect my Father’s love in this situation?
- How does Jesus’ example of forgiveness on the cross inspire me to love my enemies?
Jesus Home Ministries 