Matthew 5:43-48 - The Sermon On The Mount: Love For Enemies

⁴³ You have heard that it was said--'Thou shalt love thy neighbor and hate thy enemy.' ⁴⁴ I, however, say to you--Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ That you may become Sons of your Father who is in Heaven; for he causes his sun to rise upon bad and good alike, and sends rain upon the righteous and upon the unrighteous. ⁴⁶ For, if you love only those who love you, what reward will you have? Even the tax-gatherers do this! ⁴⁷ And, if you show courtesy to your brothers only, what are you doing more than others? Even the Gentiles do this! ⁴⁸ You, then, must become perfect--as your heavenly Father is perfect.