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Verse Takeaways
1
A Practical, Not Emotional, Love
Commentators clarify that loving your enemies isn't about approving of their actions or having warm feelings. Rather, it's a 'love of benevolence'—a commitment to their ultimate well-being. This is expressed through practical actions: speaking kindly instead of cursing, actively doing good for them, and praying for their salvation, even while you rightly oppose their harmful behavior.
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Matthew
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Commentaries
11
Albert Barnes
On Matthew 5:44
18th Century
Theologian
Love your enemies. There are two kinds of love, involving the same general feeling, or springing from the same fountain of goodwill to all…
Charles Spurgeon
On Matthew 5:44–45
19th Century
Preacher
It is our part to persist in loving, even if people persist in enmity. We are to offer blessing for cursing, prayers for persecutions. Even in the …
Expositor's Bible Commentary
On Matthew 5:44
Jesus allowed no casuistry. The real direction indicated by the law is love, rich and costly, and extended even to enemies. Many take the verb and …
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John Calvin
On Matthew 5:44
16th Century
Theologian
Love your enemies. This single point includes the whole of the former doctrine. For whoever brings his mind to love those who hate him wil…
John Gill
On Matthew 5:44
17th Century
Pastor
But I say unto you, love your enemies
That is, as the Apostle Paul may be thought to interpret the words of Christ, …
Matthew Henry
On Matthew 5:43–48
17th Century
Minister
The Jewish teachers understood ���neighbor��� to mean only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they regarded as their f…
Thomas Aquinas
On Matthew 5:43–48
13th Century
Philosopher
You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor. Above, the Lord fulfilled the Law concerning permissi…