But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
I came not to sweep away the foundation of the Old Testament but to fulfill it, establish it, unfold it, embody it in living form. Fear not that I will subvert God's living oracles; rather, enshrine them in reverence, affection, and character.
AI summary
Commenting on Matthew 5:17-48
The love I command here is moral, not personal affection, benignant, compassionate desire for another's good. Bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, pray for those who despitefully use and persecute you. My own example shows what these counsels mean. Such breadth and sharpness of precept were never before expressed, yet I am only the interpreter of the law that has always stood.
AI summary
Love of enemies is the summary of all I have taught: whoever brings himself to love those who hate him will naturally refuse revenge, endure wrongs patiently, and help the wretched. No one obeys the command to love his neighbor until he denies himself and values all men, even his persecutors, as God does. Believers must banish revenge from their minds entirely and bless their enemies, committing their cause to God's vengeance. This is hard, contrary to the flesh; but our weakness excuses nothing. Ask only what charity demands, and rely on the Spirit's power.
AI summary