Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies is as controversial and ignored today as it was in the first century when he originally gave it. Even so, enemy love is a key distinction that sets Christianity apart from the other world religions and non-religions. Seeing this teaching foreshadowed in the Old Testament and then repeated by Paul and Peter, we can be confident that it is, in fact, how God wants us to live.

Matthew 5:43 Jesus recalled what people commonly said about loving their neighbors but hating their enemies (likely pulling on Leviticus 19:16-18).

Exodus 23:4-5; 1 Samuel 24; 26; Proverbs 24:17-18; 25:21-22; 2 Kings 6:8-23 The Old Testament has a law, a couple of proverbs, and several powerful examples showing love to one’s enemies.

Matthew 5:44 Jesus’ command is as radical today as it was in his day. He told his disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors.

Matthew 5:45 This behavior is rooted in God’s example of giving rain to the righteous and unrighteous.

Ezekiel 18:23, 32; 2 Peter 3:9 God’s heart is for the wicked to turn from their evil. He would rather someone repent than face judgement.

If that’s God’s heart, shouldn’t it be ours as well?

Matthew 5:46-48 According to Jesus, his followers get no credit for expressing love to those who love them. That is an imperfect, partial, common love. He calls us to a perfect, complete, and uncommon love —loving those who aren’t nice to us.

Romans 12:14-21; 1 Thessalonians 5:15; 1 Corinthians 4:12-13; 1 Peter 2:21-24 Both the apostles Paul and Peter repeated this teaching of Jesus in their own words. As Christ-followers, we are left with no doubt about this teaching. It is the way.