Matthew 5:43-48

Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’” This statement by Jesus is proof positive that He has not been quoting the Old Testament law throughout this section of His sermon. Nowhere did the Law tell Israel to hate their enemies. In fact, Leviticus 19:33-34 warned Israel against mistreating a stranger in the land and that they were to love the stranger. Therefore, Jesus is again dealing with the rabbinical interpretation of the Law which allowed the scribes and Pharisees to mistreat anyone they did not deem to be their neighbor.The key to the text is that we are to act in such a way that we are “children of your Father who is in heaven.” Since God sends His blessings on both the good and the evil, then we are to act in the same way as our Father and treat all men well, including our enemies. Verse 48 summarizes the point when Jesus says, “Be perfect as your Father is perfect.” “Perfect” in the text is not referring to sinlessness. The Greek word means to be mature and complete in the same way God is. In other words, we must act like our Father in heaven if we are truly His sons and daughters.

To not act in a loving way toward one’s enemies is to be no better than the worst of sinners. Even sinners love their friends and greet their friends. If we congratulate ourselves on being loving just because we love those who love us, we have done no more than a worldly person would do. I have seen Christians refuse to speak to another Christian with whom they disagreed or had other differences. What could possibly be our justification for acting in such a way? Even a sinning brother who has been withdrawn from is not to be ignored or treated with contempt (2 Thes. 3:14-15).
Berry Kercheville