Loving Your Enemy

“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 sons 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same? 

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
– Matthew 5:43-48


Jesus offers here one of the most radical and countercultural teachings in the entire Bible: not just to tolerate enemies, but to love them—and even to pray for them. In a world that often encourages retaliation and division, Jesus calls us to reflect the impartial, generous love of God.

This kind of love is not about feelings—it’s about faithful action. It’s the decision to speak kindly, to pray sincerely, to wish well, and to hope for healing even when another person offends or opposes us. That includes our enemies—and yes, even those fellow believers who have wounded us, disappointed us, or fiercely disagreed with us.

Loving those who love us is easy. The love Jesus describes is divine—love that gives without expecting, that blesses without bitterness, that reaches across every barrier. It is this love that shows we are truly children of our Father in heaven.


Questions

1. Who do you struggle to love, especially within the body of Christ?

2. What would it look like to pray sincerely for someone who has hurt or opposed you?

3. How does God’s indiscriminate love challenge your own preferences and boundaries?


Suggested Activity

Choose someone who has been difficult for you to love—whether they’ve hurt you, disagreed with you, or simply irritated you. Spend a few minutes today praying specifically for that person’s peace, well-being, and growth in Christ. Ask God to soften your heart toward them.


Prayer

Lord Jesus, 

Your love is deeper than mine. You loved me when I was far from You—when I was indifferent, rebellious, and broken. Help me to love others with that same grace. Especially those I find hardest to love. Give me courage to pray for them, to bless them, and to release anger or judgment. Make me more like You—perfect in love.

In Your name I pray. Amen.

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