←
Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
44
But I say to you, Love your enemies: do good to them that hate you: and pray for them that persecute and calumniate you:
14
more explanations
& daily audio-books
spoken by
– enjoy in Theosis App –
Start your
Bible-journey
with explanations
& daily audio-books
only 4$* per month
{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Many individuals, assessing God's commandments through their own frailty rather than through the strength exemplified by the holy, come to view divine directives as unattainable. They claim that simply lacking animosity toward adversaries suffices for righteousness; in addition, they believe that the call to love one's enemies is beyond human capability. Thus, it is essential to understand that Christ does not ask for the impossible, but rather for the perfect — a standard achieved by David concerning Saul and Absalom. Furthermore, the first martyr Stephen interceded for those who stoned him. Likewise, the apostle Paul expressed a willingness to be accursed for the sake of his persecutors. This is the teaching of Jesus, which He exemplified when He exclaimed from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"This is the pinnacle of virtues! It is for this reason that the Savior instructed us to endure mistreatment patiently, and to turn the other cheek; He urged us not only to relinquish our cloak along with our tunic but also to walk an extra mile with someone who compels us to go just one. He presented these teachings to prepare us for greater things that lie beyond. What could be greater, you might ask? To not view those who wrong you as adversaries is a far nobler aim. For the Lord did not just say, \\"Do not hate,\\" but rather, \\"Love\\"; He did not merely state, \\"Do not retaliate,\\" but implored us to show charity. Upon closer examination of the Savior's teachings, we uncover a fresh command that elevates our duty further still. He instructs us not just to love our enemies, but to pray for them as well. Can you see how greatly He has elevated the standards of virtue? Let us enumerate these stages: The first is to avoid initiating an offense; the second is to refrain from responding to harm with equal malice; the third urges us not only to avoid returning the wrong we have suffered but to maintain our composure; the fourth encourages us to willingly accept suffering; the fifth calls for us to offer even more than what has been taken; the sixth teaches us not to harbor hatred; the seventh asks us to love the offender; the eighth urges us to perform acts of kindness towards them; and the ninth inspires us to pray to God on their behalf. Do you see how lofty the heights of common sense become? Yet, the reward for such virtue shines brilliantly.\\n\\nAs St. Chrysostom remarks, this love for our enemies and the kindness we show them will serve as an intercession and a great atonement for our sins on the Day of Judgment. Love for our adversaries opens the gates of hope for approaching God. There is nothing that so pleases God as our love for those who oppose us and our acts of kindness toward those who harm us. To pray against our enemies contravenes God’s law. Those adversaries we have treated with grace will become our advocates at the last judgment. It is not our friends who truly benefit us through praise, but our foes through their marring of our character. To love, bless, and pray for our enemies constitutes a profound act of atonement for our transgressions.\\n\\nYesterday, I noted that many approach prayer carelessly, yawning and stretching, showing a lack of respect for the sacred act. Today, I have identified an even graver misstep linked to prayer. Many prostrate themselves, beating their chests, shedding tears, and expressing fervor, yet they misdirect that zeal against their own salvation. They neglect to seek forgiveness for their own sins but concentrate their fervor on seeking vengeance against their enemies, much like someone sharpening a sword not to defend against foes but to harm themselves. When praying, they ask not for their transgressions to be forgiven, but for retribution against their antagonists, effectively drawing the sword that harms themselves. This is a trap set by the adversary, aiming to cause our destruction through negligence and misguided zeal. Some offend God through their carelessness in prayer, while others misuse their fervor for selfish aims. The devil finds it easy to lead the negligent astray, but for the fervent, he schemes to misdirect their zeal towards sin, for praying for the harm of others is a lawless act. As such, the fervent one departs without gain and incurs a greater loss than negligence alone would bring.\\n\\nIt is crucial to listen to the very prayers uttered, for they reveal a childish mentality and an immature spirit. I am reluctant to voice such sentiments but feel compelled to mimic this foolish talk. What do they say? \\"Avenge me against my enemies; show them that I, too, have a God.\\" However, let it be known that we do not reveal the presence of God through our indignation and anger, but through our humility, gentleness, and the practice of wisdom. The Lord articulated, \\"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.\\" (Matt. 5:16). \\n\\nDo you understand that praying for harm against your enemies is to insult God? You may wonder how this could be construed as an offense. It is in the very outline of the command He gave: \\"Pray for your enemies.\\" When you request the Lawgiver to violate His own commandments and plead with Him to act against His own decrees, you neither offer a true prayer nor a genuine request; you offend Him who grants prayers.\\n\\nWhen you make your petition heard by God while simultaneously provoking Him with insincere intentions, how can your supplication ever be received? In so doing, you jeopardize your own salvation and throw yourself into destruction by striking against the adversary in the presence of the King. Though you do not attack physically, you lash out verbally, which you wouldn't dare do even to your equals. Before a ruler, you would withhold such offenses, yet you have no fear or trembling when doing so with God, allowing yourself to be more cruel than one who demands a mere hundred denarii. Consider the parable of the servant who owed ten thousand talents; unable to repay, he implored his lord for mercy. Upon receiving forgiveness, he subsequently sought to strangle another servant for a mere hundred denarii. The master took back his mercy upon learning of this act and reinstated the debt he had initially released. Thus, he faced punishment for his mercilessness. \\n\\nNotice how this servant's request finalizes his own judgment, seeking harm from one who owed him far less. While he did not demand gratitude, your prayer embodies the very contradiction before the King. If one, without making demands, strangles a fellow servant, what punishment will you face when directing your plea to the Lord? Your soul may be consumed with rage against those who wronged you, your heart troubled, and your thoughts restless in recalling their offenses. \\n\\nContrast the intensity of this anger regarding others’ transgressions with your consciousness of your own sins and the fear of impending judgment. Remember your own guilt before the Lord and know that you must account for it all. This realization can quell your anger far more effectively than any passion against others. Focus on eternal consequences, punishment, and torment in prayer, and your adversary will recede from your thoughts. Bring your mind low, remembering your own offenses, and anger will lose its hold on you.\\n\\nThe root of all evil lies in scrutinizing the faults of others while allowing our own sins to slip by unnoticed. In truth, we ought to do the opposite: remain conscious of our shortcomings while dismissing the sins of others. If we adopt such an attitude, God will show mercy towards us, and we will cease to harbor resentment against our neighbors, thereby nullifying enmity. When we practice such forgiveness, we quickly find remission for our own failings. Truly, one who holds grudges against others cannot escape sentencing for their sins, while one free from anger shall find relief from their transgressions.\\n\\nIf we, burdened with flaws and easily angered, were to forgive all offenses committed against us at God's behest, how much more readily will He, who embodies mercy and purity, absolve our wrongs? In response to our compassion towards others, He will grant us forgiveness for our own shortcomings, a gift we are able to receive through the grace and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom belongs glory and authority, forever and ever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Isidore of Pelusium","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d94130e668938c9ae9d_Isidore%20of%20Pelusium.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":5,"exegesis-text":"If Socrates, the wise teacher of Athenian thought, did not seek retribution for such affronts, why are you troubled, enduring, as you describe, merely mockery? If you choose to respond with wisdom, you will attain a form of Socratic honor, having experienced less suffering than Socrates, who faced ridicule. The one who has wronged you, like an arrow, may find themselves wounded by your graciousness, and perhaps their heart inclined toward sin and their tongue given to offense will be transformed. In time, they may express gratitude to you for being the cause of such a change."},{"author-name":"Gregory the Great","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88c2b032f5f6e5effaa54_Gregory%20the%20Great.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"God instructs us to love our adversaries (Matthew 5:44), yet some beseech Him for the demise of their foes. Thus, those who pray in this manner are, through their own prayers, in opposition to the Creator. This is reflected in the words regarding Judas, ‘and his prayer shall be turned into sin’ (Psalm 108:7). Prayer becomes sinful when one petitions for what the One invoked expressly prohibits. Consequently, the Truth proclaims: ‘And when you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone, so that your heavenly Father may also forgive you your trespasses’ (Mark 11:25)."},{"author-name":"Cyrill Teacher of the Slavs","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88aceed5fa62ff87dfdab_Cyrill%20Teacher%20of%20the%20Slavs.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":9,"exegesis-text":"Filled with wonder at these remarks, they turned to one another, saying, \\"Indeed, as you have stated, esteemed guest. Yet if Christ is your Lord, why do you not follow His commands? For it is recorded in the Gospels, 'Pray for your enemies. Do good to those who hate and persecute you.' You do not practice this, but instead prepare your weapons against those who act in this manner towards you.\\" The philosopher then replied, \\"If there are two commandments in the law, who follows it more faithfully: the one who observes one or the one who observes both?\\" They responded, \\"The one who observes both.\\" The philosopher continued, \\"God commanded, 'Pray for those who hurt you.' He also declared, 'There is no greater love than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.' We do this for the sake of our friends, so that through the suffering of the body, their souls may also be safeguarded from captivity.\\""},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Attained the highest virtues, for what could be more significant than this? Yet, it is not beyond reach. Moses and Paul demonstrated love for the very Jews who opposed them, just as all the saints extended their love to their adversaries. These individuals should be regarded as benefactors, as those who persecute and tempt us serve to diminish the consequences of our transgressions. In return, God promises to bestow upon us a magnificent reward. Consider the words in Matthew 5:45."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Having eliminated, as stated, anger and desire, and having liberated those who follow Him from all damaging passions, He instructed them to practice love, giving to those who ask and lending to those in need. Then, elevating their spirits, He lifted them to the pinnacle of virtue. The greatest and most profound of all virtues is the love of one’s enemies, which entails recognizing them not merely as adversaries but as fellow human beings; this love also includes interceding for them in prayer. Loving one’s enemies naturally extends to additional actions, such as blessing those who curse us, doing good to those who harbor hatred towards us, and praying for those who wrong us. These reflect the characteristics of complete love. Moreover, consider that the reward for such immense virtue is unparalleled. Since this act surpasses all others, it merits a reward greater than any. He affirms: ‘As many as are sons of your Father who is in heaven: as His sun shines on the evil and on the good, and rains on the just and on the unjust’ (Matthew 5:45)."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"But I say to you, love your adversaries, bless those who speak ill of you, perform acts of kindness toward those who despise you, and pray for those who misuse and persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on both the evil and the good and sends rain on the just and the unjust. If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not tax collectors do the same? And if you only greet your brothers, what is unique about that? Do not the Gentiles behave in the same way? Therefore, strive for perfection, as your heavenly Father is perfect, as Christ teaches (Matthew 5:44-48; Luke 6:27-36). \\n\\nBy adversaries, I refer to those who offend us through words or actions, who curse, hate, injure, and alienate us. These are the individuals whom Christ instructs us to love. In the section concerning love for our neighbor—meaning every person—it is clarified what Christian love entails and its resultant blessings; thus, it need not be elaborated upon here. For among our neighbors, we include not only our friends but also our foes, whom Christ commands us to love: “Love your enemies” (Matt. 5:44). \\n\\nHere, only reasons encouraging us to love our adversaries are indicated: 1) Even if we see no other motivation to love our enemies, the simple fact that Christ commands it should compel us to do so, which applies to every divine commandment He has given. Christ desires and commands us to extend love to our enemies. He embodies eternal Truth, revealed to us by the will of the Heavenly Father, whom we are instructed to heed: “Hear Him” (Matt. 17:5). Consequently, what Christ, the Son of God, commands, what the Heavenly Father wishes for us, and what God’s eternal truth demands is ultimately beneficial for us. 2) If we acknowledge Christ’s command to us to “Love your enemies,” we must always be ready to respond to that command and even to face death for His name. Christians should recognize that Christ is the utmost expression of Love we can know—our Deliverer, Redeemer, Intercessor, and Reconciler to God, as well as our eternal hope and trust. This supreme Benefactor commands us: “love your enemies.” If you found yourself in such dire circumstances that a decree from the king sentenced you to death, and a virtuous man intervened, not only saving you from execution through his sacrifices but also restoring you to favor with the monarch, you would undoubtedly comply with his wishes, unless you wished to appear exceedingly ungrateful to such a great benefactor. However, this love and favor, while considerable, pales in comparison to the love of Christ, which He has manifested toward us; it is fleeting, and none can evade natural death. For Christ did not rescue us from temporal death but from eternal death: “not with corruptible silver or gold, but with His own precious blood” He redeemed us from that eternal sorrow (1 Pet. 1:18-19). “Christ died for our sins” (1 Cor. 15:3). Moreover, He did not merely extract us from peril but also empowered those who received Him, those who believe in His name, to become children of God (John 1:12), thus granting access to the inheritance of the eternal kingdom. This profound love necessitates that we love not only our friends but also our adversaries, in accordance with His command, if we are to express our gratitude towards Him. Open His holy Gospel, and it will reveal His love. It will show you how for our sake He “took the form of a servant” (Phil. 2:7), “became poor” (2 Cor. 8:9), “had no place to lay His head” (Matt. 8:20), worked tirelessly, traveled from town to town, preached the gospel of the kingdom, wept, endured sickness, and faced persecution, scorn, slander, mockery, and suffering, leading ultimately to His death and burial. He endured all these things innocently, spurred solely by His love for us, redeeming us from death, hell, and the devil, restoring us to the mercy of His heavenly Father. This love can and must soften our hearts and inspire us to love our adversaries. Would we not heed a gracious person who saved us from temporal death in every circumstance, wishing to express our gratitude? Is not the Son of God, who by His own death redeemed us from eternal death, and unlocked the door to everlasting joy? Whoever desires to love Christ, his Redeemer, will abide by His word. “Whoever loves Me,” He says, “will keep My word” (John 14:23). Anyone who does not love Christ cannot authentically claim to do so, regardless of appearances. Therefore, if one who does not love his enemies lacks love for Christ, what can be said of those who do not love others unless they are treated kindly? Oh, how distant they are from Christian faith and from Christ! \\n\\n3) He Himself cherished us, His adversaries, so deeply that He gave His life for us, reconciling us with our heavenly Father and leading us to eternal bliss. Examine the pages of the holy Gospel, and you will find that Christ died for sinners and the unrighteous. “But God demonstrates His love toward us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” And again, “For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son” (Rom. 5:8, 10). Therefore, we too must follow His example and love our adversaries if we wish to be His disciples—that is, Christians. A Christian is fundamentally a disciple of Christ."},{"author-name":"Ignatij (Briantchaninow)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ce37597540c9caa5df5_Ignatij%20(Briantchaninow).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord has imparted a command to love one's enemies, instructing us to bless those who curse us, to act kindly towards those who harbor hatred, and to pray for those who trouble us and cast us out. This love for adversaries nurtures a heart that is filled with love. In such a heart, there is no space for wickedness, and its inherent goodness reflects that of the all-good God. The Apostle encourages Christians towards this noble moral condition, stating: ‘Put on yourselves, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, in the womb of bounty, kindness, humility, gentleness, and longsuffering: receiving one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has wronged anyone: as Christ forgave you, so also you (Colossians 3:12, 13)."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Love your adversaries. An adversary is someone who wrongs us in various ways. There are two types of love we can have toward others: the first is cherishing someone whose life and choices we support and appreciate; the second is extending goodwill and favor towards those whose lives and actions we disapprove of or who act unkindly towards us or others. It is this latter form of love that we should cultivate for our enemies. Although we cannot love the deeds of those who offend or harm us and violate divine and human laws, we can, by separating their actions from their person, wish them well, refrain from returning evil for evil, offer assistance in times of need, and seek their eternal welfare (Romans 12:17-20). This is what it means to love our enemies, showcasing the profound virtue of those who embrace this quality. “He has reached (such a one) the top of the virtues, for what is higher than this?” (Theophylact; cf. Chrysostom). Bless those who curse you, and so forth. This is a more personal exploration of the broader principle of loving our enemies, demonstrating how that love can be articulated toward those who show hostility in various forms. To bless means not only to refrain from speaking ill of our adversary but also to speak well of them, to acknowledge their positive traits rather than diminish them, and to uplift them in word and deed. To offend involves unjust persecution through judgment, including falsely accusing, insulting, and reproaching someone through words or actions. It is clear that such a love for enemies that involves complicity in their wrongdoings would contradict the commandment to love one’s enemies. Rather, genuine love may at times necessitate rebuke when God’s glory is at stake or when others are led astray due to the actions of the enemy. Hence, both the Lord and His Apostles frequently addressed their adversaries with stern rebuke (Matt. 23:33; Gal. 1:8; Acts 23:3; 1 Jn. 5:16; 2 Jn. 10, etc.). “Do you see to what heights He has elevated us, and how He has positioned us at the pinnacle of virtue? Consider the steps, starting with the first: The first degree is to avoid causing offense; the second, when offended, to refrain from responding in kind; the third is not only to refrain from retaliation but to remain composed; the fourth is to willingly endure suffering; the fifth is to give more than what the offender seeks to take; the sixth is to hold no hatred; the seventh is to actively love; the eighth is to do good to them; the ninth is to pray for them. Do you see what is the peak of any discipline?” (Chrysostom)."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.\\" Every individual experiences love—there's love for parents, family, and those who lend us support. However, the love we hold for our loved ones is an instinctive emotion, one that arises naturally within us, which is why the Lord does not assign it great value. Genuine Christian love is truly measured by how we respond to our adversaries. Our love should not wane because of minor grievances or even serious attacks and trials inflicted upon us by our foes. We are called not only to bless those who oppose us but to do good for them and to intercede on their behalf. Reflect upon your own attitude towards your enemies and assess whether you possess authentic Christian love, for without it, salvation is unattainable."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Love your adversaries... You have heard it said, \\"You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.\\" However, I say to you, love your adversaries, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who misuse and persecute you, so that you may be recognized as the children of your Father in heaven (Matt. 5:43-44). The Old Testament law, found in Lev. 19:18, commands the Israelites to refrain from seeking revenge or harboring animosity toward their fellow Israelites, instructing them to love their neighbors as themselves. Many Jews interpreted this to mean they were only obligated to love their fellow countrymen, viewing those from other nations as enemies. Consequently, tax collectors and the most sinful regarded their adversaries with hatred. Yet, Christ called upon His followers to exemplify a higher moral standard than both Jews and Gentiles, urging them to be worthy children of their heavenly Father. Just as their Father, who embodies perfect love and seeks no wrath or malice, cares for all people, including the unjust and unrighteous—illustrated by His sun shining on both the good and the wicked, and rain falling on the just and unjust—so too, His disciples, desiring to be recognized as children of their heavenly Father, are called to love everyone, including their enemies, bless those who curse them, act kindly toward those who hate them, and pray for those who mistreat and persecute them. Only through this practice can they be truly known as children of the heavenly Father.\\n\\nIn His own example, Jesus epitomized this command to love one’s enemies by praying for those who crucified Him: \\"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do\\" (Luke 23:34). To demonstrate God's love for all humanity, both righteous and sinful, He declared, \\"I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance\\" (Matthew 9:13). Thus, He came to redeem sinners, showcasing such love that in their salvation, He offered His own life for them. After commanding His disciples to embody this high and pure love, which qualifies those who express it to be called sons of the heavenly Father, Jesus contrasted it with worldly love—self-love—for clarity. He cautioned His followers against this self-serving affection, typical of sinners and Gentiles, asking, \\"If you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?\\"\\n\\nOpponents of loving one's enemies, such as the Tolstoyans, contend this is an impossible ideal. They assert that while it is feasible to avoid causing harm to one's adversary, true love is unattainable; they believe Christ could not demand the impossible. They interpret Christ's references to enemies as concerning enemies of the people rather than personal foes, claiming one might love people from an opposing nation as they would their own. \\n\\nHowever, if we isolate Christ's teaching on loving enemies from the broader context of His Sermon on the Mount, it might support the Tolstoyan view. Yet, His injunction to love one's enemies must be seen in conjunction with His instructions to bless those who curse, do good to those who hate, and to pray for those who offend, alongside His remarks regarding loving only those who love back and merely greeting one’s brothers. This broader perspective reveals that Christ spoke not only about national adversaries but fundamentally about personal enemies.\\n\\nIn referencing the Tolstoyan perspective, we aim to illustrate that one can indeed love personal enemies and that Christ did not impose an unattainable demand. Those who react with anger at every slight, who lack self-control, refuse to forgive, and retaliate not only for harm but even for kindness, cannot truly love their personal adversaries; their response must be hate instead. When advised of Christ's command to love enemies, such individuals often claim it is an unreachable ideal, representing a purity of virtue beyond human capacity. \\n\\nNevertheless, Christ initiated His Sermon on the Mount with this imperative of love for enemies, bringing His teachings on the character that leads to genuine happiness and eternal life into focus. He began with simpler commandments and, by elucidating them progressively, led His followers toward the recognition of the possible—and necessary—call to love even one’s enemies. Initially, He emphasized virtues like humility, contrition, meekness, the pursuit of divine truth, mercy, purity of thought, reconciliation with adversaries, and patience in suffering and persecution for righteousness.\\n\\nThen, as if addressing those transformed by adhering to such teachings, He demanded more: not just refraining from causing suffering to anyone, but also avoidance of anger, immediate reconciliation with those who harbor grievances against them, faithfulness in marital commitments, unwavering truthfulness, refraining from swearing oaths, retaliating with good instead of revenge, and offering assistance to everyone seeking help. It becomes evident that a person who fulfills these teachings, achieving a high moral standard, and who actively works good toward those who oppose him, will naturally feel compassion for their adversary’s failings. This compassion, or pity, is fundamental to love; one who feels pity for an enemy and genuinely wishes them well undeniably loves them. \\n\\nMoreover, life experience shows that even those who have not attained exceptional moral virtue often exhibit kindness toward an enemy, revealing a form of love in doing so. Thus, love for enemies is indeed possible, and for one of upright character who embodies all of Christ’s teachings, it is essential, emerging naturally from the fullness of virtues learned. In conclusion, after expounding upon His core commandments, Jesus proclaimed, \\"Be ye perfect, even as your heavenly Father is perfect.\\" These words should not be interpreted as a command to equal God in perfection, for God's greatness is beyond human comprehension."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Here lies the pinnacle of virtues and the testament of genuine, pure, and selfless love for humanity, a trait unique to true Christians! Here, the Saviour instructs us not merely to tolerate infrequent offenses but to embody constant love in our hearts for those who have tested our patience, our adversaries. As a demonstration of this love, we are called to bless those who insult us, to do good to those who harbor hate towards us, and to fervently pray to God, who searches our hearts, for those who offend and persecute us. Before His crucifixion, the Lord Jesus Christ inspired His disciples and all who heard His teachings to strive for this perfect expression of love, illuminating the immense compassion of our heavenly Father. He ordains the sun to rise daily, shining upon both the righteous and the wicked, and sends rain in due season upon the just and the unjust, imparting lessons of this divine love to His children each day. Furthermore, after the sufferings endured by Jesus Christ, His salvific wounds continually resonate with the theme of love for our enemies, calling out to all Christians. What hardened heart will not shatter the chains of animosity towards its neighbor, even if that neighbor is an enemy, when it repeatedly gazes upon the crucified Saviour—our God—who, in His profound agony on the Cross, plead with the Father for the salvation of those who crucified Him, saying, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34)? Thus, dear brothers and sisters, the virtue of loving one’s enemies, with all its majesty and rarity, must be fundamentally essential to a Christian’s life; without it, one’s love amounts to nothing more than that of tax collectors and pagans, as the Saviour Himself noted, since they too love their friends and reciprocate kindness to those who do good to them. Truly, all love for neighbors that lacks love for enemies is incomplete. In its absence, we only see ourselves reflected in our friends and benefactors, loving them for the benefits and comfort they provide. However, the Saviour desires from us a selfless love, devoid of selfishness and self-interest—such as exemplified by St. Paul the Apostle, who longed and prayed that he might be cut off from the inheritance with Christ if it meant that his persecutors, the Jews, would come to faith in Christ and be saved (Romans 9:3). He calls us to love with the same perfection as our heavenly Father, who loved the world—despite its enmity towards Him—so much that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Amen."},{"author-name":"Ivanov A.V.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88db13197efab881aa332_Ivanov%20A.V..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Our call to love our adversaries stems from recognizing that they, too, are children of the same heavenly Father. Their animosity towards us arises from their frailty, suffering, and unique circumstances. Our motivation for treating our opponents with kindness should not be a mere calculation, but rather a genuine love. No one would judge a mother for loving her child, even when her child’s unreasonableness or struggles cause her distress. Conversely, society tends to condemn those who act with hostility towards a sick individual who, in their affliction, may behave irrationally and fail to comprehend their surroundings. In this sense, our enemies reflect that state of affliction. Therefore, to love one's enemy is to extend love to one’s neighbor through them, to view their hostility as a manifestation of illness, a flaw, and to intercede in prayer for their healing from this malaise."}]}
Support this project and get full access for only 4$/month
Commentarie text can’t be scrolled on PC at the moment. Please use your phone. We’re working on a fix.
