“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor (fellow man) and hate your enemy.’

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

For if you love [only] those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?

“Also, when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites; for they love to pray [publicly] standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets so that they may be seen by men. I assure you and most solemnly say to you, they [already] have their reward in full.

“No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon [money, possessions, fame, status, or whatever is valued more than the Lord].

Honor your father and mother; and love your neighbor as yourself” [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].

And Jesus replied to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’

The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself [that is, unselfishly seek the best or higher good for others].’

They love the place of distinction and honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues [those on the platform near the scrolls of the Law, facing the congregation],

Because lawlessness is increased, the love of most people will grow cold.