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But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
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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12
18th Century
Presbyterian
Love your enemies. There are two kinds of love, involving the same general feeling, or springing from the same fountain of goodwill to all…
19th Century
Anglican
Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you. The latter words are omitted in so many of the most ancient manuscripts that mos…
Baptist
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 …
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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 …
16th Century
Protestant
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…
17th Century
Reformed Baptist
But I say unto you, love your enemies That is, as the Apostle Paul may be thought to interpret the words of Christ, …
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The Jewish teachers understood —neighbor' to mean only those who were of their own country, nation, and religion, whom they regarded as their frien…
13th Century
Catholic
You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor. Above, the Lord fulfilled the Law concerning permissi…
