Book of Matthew - Chapter 5 - Verse 43

When Jesus spoke the words, "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy," he was addressing the common understanding of the Jewish people at the time. The command to love one's neighbor can be found in the Old Testament, in Leviticus 19:18. However, the idea of hating one's enemy was not explicitly stated in the scriptures; rather, it was a perversion of the original commandment to love others. Jesus used this contrast to teach his followers about the transformative power of love and the importance of showing kindness and compassion to all, even those who may be considered enemies. By loving both neighbors and enemies, as Jesus later taught in the Sermon on the Mount, we can reflect the unconditional love of God and bring healing and reconciliation to a broken world.

When Jesus spoke the words "Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy," he was addressing a common interpretation of the Old Testament command to love one's neighbor. The Jewish people at that time understood that they were supposed to love those who were part of their community but could hate or have enmity towards their enemies. However, Jesus challenges this understanding by teaching his followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. This theological interpretation emphasizes the radical love and forgiveness that Jesus calls his followers to exhibit, showing that true Christian love extends even to those who harm or oppose us. The Greek word used for love in this passage is "agape," which refers to a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the well-being of others. By instructing his followers to love their enemies, Jesus is challenging them to embody a love that reflects the sacrificial love of God towards all people.