Summary: Jesus challenged the traditional teaching of loving only one's neighbor, urging his disciples to love their enemies and pray for their persecutors. This radical love mirrors the Father's impartial kindness, shining upon both the just and unjust. True discipleship calls for love that transcends natural inclinations, aspiring to the perfection of God's unconditional love.
Jesus said to his disciples:
"You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers and sisters only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same?
So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect."
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