Love Your Enemies

(Leviticus 24:17–23, Luke 6:27–36)

38 You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’[fn] 39 But I tell you not to resist an evil person. If someone slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also; 40 if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well; 41 and if someone forces you to go one mile,[fn] go with him two miles.[fn] 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

43 You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’[fn] and ‘Hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,[fn] 45 that you may be sons 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? Do not even tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even Gentiles do the same?

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.