Lutheran Lens Commentary: Matthew 5:43-48

## Lutheran Lens Reading of Matthew 5:43-48

### Tradition-Specific Interpretation

We read Matthew 5:43-48 through the Lutheran Lens as Law exposing our inability to fulfill God's command to love our enemies perfectly. This passage reveals the depth of our sin, for it demands a love that mirrors God's perfect love, which we, in our sinful nature, cannot achieve. The Law here drives us to despair of our own efforts and points us to the need for the Gospel, where Christ's perfect love is given to us as a gift. The call to be 'perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect' functions as a mirror, reflecting our unrighteousness and pointing us to Christ's imputed righteousness.

### Key Language Decisions