Loving Your Enemies
The following is part 8 of “ Love that Binds ”: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.” —Matthew 5:44-45 A Radical Command Loving our enemies is one of the most challenging and transformative teachings of Jesus. It defies human logic and cultural norms, calling us to respond to hatred with love and to opposition with grace. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus elevates the standard of love, challenging His followers to embody the selfless love of God, who “causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). This command is not about condoning wrongdoing or ignoring justice. Instead, it is about choosing to reflect God’s character, even in the face of hostility. Loving our enemies reveals the transformative power of God’s love in a broken world. Jesus’ Example of Loving Enemies Jesus did not just teach this principle—He lived it. He forgave those who mocked and crucified Him, prayi...