Key Idea:

We love because God is love.

1) We love those who don’t deserve it
(vs 43 – 44)

2) When we love, it shows how God loves the undeserving (vs 45)

3) Authentic love goes beyond the minimal. (vs 46-47)

4) We love so we can be like God. (vs 48)

Matthew 5:43-48 New International Version (NIV)

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a] and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸ Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18

New International Version (NIV)

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