09/16/2025
In Matthew 5:43-44, Jesus says: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy'. But I say to you, 'Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'"
The Old Testament never commanded people to hate their enemies. So, when Jesus says, "you have heard it was said...", He is not correcting the Old Testament. He is, however, correcting misinterpretations of the Old Testament.
Therefore, the command to "love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" is not a random change or new teaching by Jesus. Love for enemies was established by God many centuries earlier.
How has God the Father loved His enemies? According to John 3:16 He sent His only Son to die for them. Yes, us. We were enemies of God (Ephesians 2). So, what would it look like for you to love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you? Try it. I promise you that it will not only be honoring to God but it will unlock your own soul and the anger that so quickly destroys us.
- Pastor Dawson