Which other Scriptures emphasize loving those outside our immediate circle? The Challenge Jesus Gives (Matthew 5:46) “If you love those who love you, what reward will you receive? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” Other Words of Jesus That Press the Point • Matthew 5:44 — “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” • Luke 6:27–28, 32–33 — “But to you who listen I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you… If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them.” • Luke 10:36–37 — “Which of these three do you think proved a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” “The one who showed him mercy,” replied the expert in the law. Then Jesus told him, “Go and do likewise.” Old Testament Foundations for Boundary-Breaking Love • Leviticus 19:34 — “The foreigner who resides with you must be to you as the native among you; you shall love him as yourself.” • Deuteronomy 10:18-19 — “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner… And you are to love the foreigner.” • Proverbs 25:21-22 — “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink, for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.” Early Church Living It Out • Acts 10:34-35 — “God is no respecter of persons, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.” • Galatians 6:10 — “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” • James 2:8-9 — “If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” Apostolic Letters Echoing the Call • Romans 12:20 — “‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink.’” • Romans 13:10 — “Love does no wrong to a neighbor; therefore love is the fulfillment of the Law.” • 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 — “Love is patient, love is kind… it is not self-seeking… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” The Heart Behind the Command • 1 Peter 3:8-9 — “Be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers… Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing.” • 1 John 4:7-8 — “Beloved, let us love one another, for love comes from God.” • 1 John 4:20 — “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ yet hates his brother, he is a liar.” Putting It Into Practice Today • Remember that every person—friend, stranger, or enemy—bears God’s image. • Extend practical help: food, clothing, conversation, a listening ear. • Reject favoritism; treat the overlooked with the same dignity you show close friends. • Choose blessing over retaliation; repay insults with kindness. • Let love be active, visible, and sacrificial, reflecting the Savior who loved us first. |
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