Matthew 5:44

New International Version

⁴⁴But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^(A)

Matthew 5:44

Amplified Bible

⁴⁴But I say to you, ^[a]love [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for] your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,^(A)

Matthew 5:44 The key to understanding this and other statements about love is to know that this love (the Greek word agape) is not so much a matter of emotion as it is of doing things for the benefit of another person, that is, having an unselfish concern for another and a willingness to seek the best for another.

⁴⁴But I say, love your enemies!^[a] Pray for those who persecute you!

5:44 Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Compare Luke 6:27-28.

New International Version (NIV)