Why does Jesus emphasize loving those who do not love us back? Text And Immediate Context Matthew 5:46 : “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?” Placed within the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), this command expands the earlier charge: “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you” (Matthew 5:44). Jesus contrasts kingdom ethics with common social reciprocity, pressing disciples toward a supernatural quality of love. Old Testament ROOTS 1. Leviticus 19:18 commands love for “neighbor”; Jesus widens “neighbor” to include foes (cf. Luke 10:29–37). 2. Proverbs 25:21 anticipates enemy-love: “If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat.” Paul later quotes this in Romans 12:20. 3. God’s covenant self-description—“Yahweh, Yahweh, compassionate and gracious” (Exodus 34:6)—grounds the ethic. Divine benevolence toward rebellious Israel provides the pattern. The Character Of God And Common Grace Matthew 5:45 precedes v.46: “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Enemy-love mirrors God’s indiscriminate daily gifts (sunlight, rainfall). When believers exhibit this posture, they reflect the Father’s nature (imago Dei), demonstrating that regeneration produces family resemblance (John 1:12–13). Christ’S Own Example Romans 5:8: “But God proves His love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Luke 23:34 records Jesus praying for His executioners: “Father, forgive them.” Resurrection vindication (1 Corinthians 15:3–8) shows that self-giving love triumphs. Historically credible resurrection data (early 1 Corinthians 15 creed, attested within five years of the event; multiple independent appearances; empty tomb admitted by opponents) anchor the ethic in reality, not mere idealism. A Radical Witness To The World By loving those who reject or revile us, believers provide empirical evidence of the gospel’s transforming power (John 13:34–35). Early Christian apologist Tertullian noted pagans exclaiming, “See how they love one another!” (Apology 39). Sociological studies of persecuted house-churches in modern China show enemy-prayer practices correlate with church growth, reinforcing missional effectiveness. Theological Purpose: Sanctification And Sonship “Therefore you will be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). Teleios (“perfect”) carries the sense of mature wholeness. Enemy-love is God’s refining crucible, producing Christ-likeness (2 Corinthians 3:18). The reward (v.46) is primarily relational—deeper fellowship with the Father—though eschatological recompense is also promised (Matthew 25:34–40). Practical Outworking 1. Prayer: Interceding for persecutors realigns our affections (Philippians 4:6–7). 2. Concrete service: Romans 12:20’s “feed him… give him drink” turns abstract love into tangible aid. 3. Verbal blessing: “Bless and do not curse” (Romans 12:14) disarms hostility. Historical vignettes—Corrie ten Boom forgiving a former guard; Jim Elliot’s widow Elizabeth ministering to the Waorani—illustrate the compelling power of such love. Anticipating Objections • “Enemy-love invites abuse.” – Biblical love is not passive enablement; Jesus confronts evil (John 18:23) yet refuses hatred. • “Reciprocity is natural; enemy-love is impossible.” – Exactly. It requires regeneration (John 3:3–5) and Spirit empowerment (Galatians 5:22–23). • “Other religions teach similar ethics.” – None ground the command in a crucified-and-risen God-Man who first loved His enemies unto death and resurrection, offering existential power to emulate Him. Eschatological Horizon Revelation 21:4 promises a cosmos purged of enmity. Enemy-love now previews future peace, embodying the already-but-not-yet kingdom. When believers love without reciprocity, they become living foretastes of the coming age. Summary Jesus emphasizes love for those who do not love us back because it: 1) Reflects God’s indiscriminate grace, 2) Follows Christ’s own precedent validated by His resurrection, 3) Functions as a persuasive witness, 4) Advances personal sanctification, 5) Harmonizes with human well-being, 6) Anticipates the restored creation. Therefore, enemy-love is not an optional moral enhancement; it is the distinctive hallmark of authentic discipleship grounded in the character and redemptive work of the triune God. |
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