Love Your Enemies
April 25, 2020
Commentary
The Lord addresses the matter of oath making (vv. 33-36). Don’t make a promise unless you are going to keep it. The basis for Old Testament oathtaking is found in Leviticus 19:12, Deuteronomy 23:21, and Numbers 30:2. Oaths taken in the name of the Lord were binding. By Old Testament law oaths were to be made only in God’s name. However, the Pharisees would swear by heaven (v. 34), by the earth (v. 35), by the Temple, by the hairs of their head etc. (v. 36). Then when they wanted to get out of the agreement, they would say it was not binding since God Himself had not been involved. Jesus is saying that all promises are sacred and when truth is profaned, God’s name is profaned. Oaths should not be necessary. One’s life should be sufficient to back up his words. Just mean what you say and say what you mean (v. 37). Anything else comes from the devil.
Jesus gives the following five examples of how a believer should react to unfair or unreasonable treatment (v. 38-42): (1) Don’t retaliate, (2) Give more than you owe, (3) Do more than is required of you, (4) Give when you see a need, & (5) Lend expecting nothing in return. The Pharisees taught to love those dear to you, but your enemies should be hated (v. 43). An enemy is one who curse you, hate you, and tries to take advantage of you. Jesus said his followers should loveeven their enemies (v. 44). That is real godliness, because you are acting like your heavenly father (v. 45) who blesses the good and the bad alike. Christian love is an act of the will, not simply an emotion. When we only love those who love us (v. 46) we’re no better than sinners who do the same (v. 47). The word perfect (v. 48) does not imply sinless perfection, for this is impossible in this life. Instead, it suggests completeness and maturity as the sons of God. We should always act like our Father
Application
What steps can I take today to restore the broken relationships in my life?
Matthew 5:33– 48 (NET)
33 “Again, you have heard that it was said to an older generation, ‘Do not break an oath, but fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not take oaths at all—not by heaven, because it is the throne of God, 35 not by earth, because it is his footstool, and not by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the great King. 36 Do not take an oath by your head, because you are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 Let your word be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ More than this is from the evil one.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not resist the evildoer. But whoever strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other to him as well. 40 And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your coat also. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not reject the one who wants to borrow from you.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors do the same, don’t they? 47 And if you only greet your brothers, what more do you do? Even the Gentiles do the same, don’t they? 48 So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.