The phrase «Love your enemies» is found in the Bible in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27.
Matthew 5:44
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
Matthew 5:44
Luke 6:27
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you,
Luke 6:27
Why does Jesus tell us «Love your enemies»?
Jesus tells us to «Love your enemies» because it reflects the heart of God’s own character. In the Bible, especially in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27, Jesus is challenging us to love as God loves. God’s love is generous and doesn’t discriminate between the good and the bad; His rain falls on both the just and the unjust. This command is about showing that same unconditional love to others, which isn’t natural for us. It’s a divine kind of love.
Loving your enemies isn’t just about feelings; it’s about actions. Jesus doesn’t just say to feel kindly towards those who oppose you; He tells us to actively do good to them, bless them, and pray for them. This kind of love is powerful because it’s not based on what others have done to us but on what God has done for us. It’s a way to rise above the normal reactions of anger and revenge.
This teaching is also about breaking the cycle of hatred and violence. When we respond to hate with love, we stop the back-and-forth battles that destroy communities and lives. It’s about transforming relationships and, ultimately, societies. By loving our enemies, we mirror a God who forgave even those who were nailing Him to the cross.
Remember, loving your enemies also changes us. It frees us from the burden of hate and allows us to live in peace and freedom. Holding on to bitterness or anger does more harm to us than to anyone else. By choosing love, we release that toxic burden and open ourselves up to God’s peace.
This command is radical and counter-cultural. It goes against what the world often teaches about looking out for number one and getting revenge. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to a different standard. This way of living isn’t easy, and it’s not something we can do on our own. It requires us to lean on God, to seek His strength and grace to love in a way that goes beyond human capability.