Matthew 5:43-48

Love for Enemies

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a]  and hate your enemy.’

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 that you may be children 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.

46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Cross References

• 1. Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 19:19; Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; Romans 13:9; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8
• 2. Deuteronomy 23:6; Psalms 139:21,22
• 3. Luke 6:27,28; Luke 23:34; John 15:20; Acts 7:60; Romans 8:35; Romans 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:12; 1 Peter 2:23
• 4. ver 9; Luke 6:35; S Romans 8:14
• 5. Job 25:3
• 6. Luke 6:32
• 7. Leviticus 19:2; 1 Peter 1:16

Footnotes

• [a] Lev. 19:18