²⁰ Therefore

^44 [a]But I say to you, ^(A)love your enemies, bless those who curse you, ^(B)do good to those who hate you, and pray ^(C)for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,

Love Your Enemies^(A)

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

^4 (A)“If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. ^5 (B)If you see the donkey of one who hates you lying under its burden, and you would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help him with it.

²² But he answered, “You shall not kill them. Would you kill those whom you have taken captive with your sword and your bow? ^(A)Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.”

¹⁶ So it was, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, ^(A)“Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. ^17 (B)Then he said to David: “You are ^(C)more righteous than I; for ^(D)you have rewarded me with good, whereas I have rewarded you with evil. ¹⁸ And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me; for when ^(E)the Lord delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. ¹⁹ For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him get away safely? Therefore may the Lord reward you with good for what you have done to me this day.

²¹ Then Saul said, ^(A)“I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will harm you no more, because my life was precious in your eyes this day. Indeed I have played the fool and erred exceedingly.”