Love your enemies

Gospel

Matthew 5:43-48

Pray for those who persecute you

Jesus said to his disciples: ‘You have learnt how it was said: You must love your neighbour and hate your enemy. But I say this to you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you; in this way you will be sons of your Father in heaven, for he causes his sun to rise on bad men as well as good, and his rain to fall on honest and dishonest men alike. For if you love those who love you, what right have you to claim any credit? Even the tax collectors do as much, do they not? And if you save your greetings for your brothers, are you doing anything exceptional? Even the pagans do as much, do they not? You must therefore be perfect just as your heavenly Father is perfect.’

**Reflection:**

Jesus challenges us to go beyond the common understanding of love—loving only those who love us—and to embrace a higher standard: loving our enemies and praying for those who persecute us. This teaching invites us to imitate God's impartial kindness, which extends to all people, regardless of their actions toward us. It calls us to cultivate a heart of genuine compassion and forgiveness, recognizing that true perfection lies in reflecting God's unconditional love. By loving even our enemies, we participate in the divine nature and demonstrate the true character of being children of our Heavenly Father.

**Question for Reflection:**

How can I practice loving and praying for those who have hurt or persecuted me, trusting that this transforms my heart and reflects God's love more fully?

**Short Prayer:**

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love and mercy that extends to all, even to those who wrong us. Help me to love my enemies and pray for those who persecute me, so that I may reflect Your perfect love. Fill my heart with compassion, patience, and forgiveness, and guide me to become more like You each day. Amen.

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