Love Without Limits: Matthew 5:43-48

You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.'

The first half was Leviticus. The second half was inference—the rabbis had concluded that if neighbors deserved love, enemies must deserve hatred. It seemed logical.

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.

Love your enemies. The words hung in the air, impossible, offensive. Enemies were the Romans with their boots on Jewish necks. Enemies were the tax collectors who betrayed their own people. Enemies were anyone who wished you harm.