This is the last of the 6 anti-thesis... this portion is still dealing with a Christian's righteousness ( that is the relational/legal "rightness" + moral "rightness" + social action rightness")
Matthew 5: 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[h] and hate your enemy.'
THe pharisees obviously twisted and turned the instructions given in Leviticus 19 into something that they can achieve conveniently (now how many times do we actually serve God out of convenience? eg. if the place is too far, i will not go and minister to people OR i will only attend the christian meeting if it fits unto my schedule- it speaks a lot about the depth of relationship that person has with God)
44But I tell you: Love your enemies[i] and pray for those who persecute you,
cf this portion to romans 12... it speaks about the same thing... to actually pray for those who hate you, is to rise above the rest of the gentiles.. the true differentiating factor of a true believer ... why pray for those who hate u ? it is hopefully shame them into thinking about our relationship with a living father.... (to heap coals on the forehead)
45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Common grace to all... Christ died for all..
46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?
48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
we were called to be perfect, not just Holy...
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