Love for Enemies^(A)

²⁷ “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,^(B)

¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(A) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(B) and for everyone else.

³⁵ But love your enemies, do good to them,^(A) and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children^(B) of the Most High,^(C) because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.

Saying 28

¹⁷ Do not repay anyone evil for evil.^(A) Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.^{(B) 18} If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.^{(C) 19} Do not take revenge,^(D) my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,”^[a](E) says the Lord. ²⁰ On the contrary:

²¹ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good^(A) to all people, especially to those who belong to the family^(B) of believers.

Love for Enemies

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor^[a](A) and hate your enemy.’^{(B) 44} But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^{(C) 45} that you may be children^(D) of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.^(E)

⁴ “If you come across your enemy’s^(A) ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to return it.^{(B) 5} If you see the donkey^(C) of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help them with it.