⁴⁴ But I say to you, ^(A)love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ so that you may prove yourselves to be ^(B)sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For ^(C)if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? ⁴⁷ And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? ⁴⁸ Therefore ^(D)you shall be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

²⁷ “But I say to you who hear, ^(A)love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸ bless those who curse you, ^(B)pray for those who are abusive to you. ^29 (C)Whoever hits you on the cheek, offer him the other also; and whoever takes away your ^[a]cloak, do not withhold your ^[b]tunic from him either. ³⁰ Give to everyone who asks of you, and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back. ^31 [c](D)Treat people the same way you want them to ^[d]treat you. ^32 (E)If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. ^34 (F)And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners in order to receive back the same amount. ³⁵ But ^(G)love your enemies and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be ^(H)sons of ^(I)the Most High; for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil people. ^36 [e]Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.