Matthew 5:43-48 teaches that followers of Jesus are to love their enemies, not only those who love them back. Jesus grounds this command in the character of God, who gives good gifts to everyone, and he sets a higher standard than the common practice of loving only one’s own circle.
The passage belongs to the Sermon on the Mount, the long teaching Jesus gives to his disciples and the crowds in the opening chapters of Matthew’s Gospel. It comes near the end of a section where Jesus contrasts his teaching with what “was said” in the law and its traditional interpretation.
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
Matthew 5:43-48 (WEB)
Matthew 5:43-48 Summary
Jesus begins by quoting a popular summary of the law: love your neighbor and hate your enemy. The first half of that saying comes from Leviticus 19:18, but the second half is not found in the Old Testament law. It reflects a common assumption that neighborly love had limits, and that hatred of outsiders was acceptable.
Jesus then reverses that assumption. His disciples are to love their enemies, bless those who curse them, do good to those who hate them, and pray for those who abuse them. He supports this by pointing to the Father, who causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the good and the wicked alike. He ends by asking his listeners to be perfect, as their Father in heaven is perfect.
Context of Matthew 5:43-48
Matthew’s Gospel was likely written for a community of Jewish followers of Jesus, and it is traditionally attributed to the apostle Matthew, the former tax collector. The Sermon on the Mount presents Jesus as a teacher who fulfills the law and calls his people to a righteousness that goes deeper than external rule-keeping.
The verses just before this passage (Matthew 5:40-42) describe generosity toward people who take advantage of you, such as giving more than is demanded and not turning away the one who asks. These examples prepare the reader for the command to love enemies. Jesus is describing a way of life in which the disciple’s conduct is shaped by mercy rather than by reciprocity or retaliation.
Matthew 5:43-48 Verse by Verse
Romans 12:20
Therefore “If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.”
(WEB)
Paul carries the teaching of Jesus into daily conflict, urging believers to meet hostility with practical kindness. The verse shows that loving an enemy can be concrete and sometimes costly, and it links that care with the desire to overcome evil with good.
Luke 6:35
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back; and your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind toward the unthankful and evil.
(WEB)
Luke records a parallel command to love enemies and do good without expecting return. The passage reinforces the idea that such love reflects God’s own kindness toward people who are ungrateful and wicked.
A Prayer Based on Matthew 5:43-48
Father in heaven, you give your sun and rain to the good and the wicked alike, and you have never withheld your goodness because of what I deserved. Teach me to love the people who have hurt me, to speak blessing where I have wanted to speak harm, and to do good where I have been tempted to withdraw. When my heart is hard, soften it by your Spirit. Help me to reflect the generosity of the one whose child I am. Amen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does loving your enemies mean you must trust them again?
No. Loving an enemy means seeking their good, praying for them, and refusing to repay evil with evil. Trust is a separate matter that may require time, wisdom, and sometimes distance, especially where there is ongoing harm.
Why does Jesus refer to tax collectors in this passage?
Tax collectors were widely disliked in first-century Judea because many worked for Rome and were known for overcharging. Jesus uses them as an example of people who love those who love them, showing that such behavior does not set his disciples apart.
What does it mean to be perfect as your Father is perfect?
The Greek word points to completeness or maturity rather than sinless flawlessness. In context, it describes a whole-hearted love that mirrors God’s generous care for all people. It is pursued through growth and dependence on God, not achieved by self-effort alone.
