mrwil65
Active member
The Sermon on the Mount represented a sea-change in theology and practice among first-century Jews. Jesus corrected their misinformed traditions regarding murder, adultery, divorce, oath-taking, revenge, benevolence, prayer, fasting, material goods, judging . . . and relating to one’s enemies (Matthew 5 – 7).
Leviticus 19:18 was clear: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the Jews had added a convenient addendum: “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy” (Matthew 5:43, emphasis added). Jesus corrected their selfish tradition: “But I say to you, love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). This was a revolutionary idea! It would take the apostle Paul’s theological writing to expand on this idea by noting that, even though we were the enemies of God, God loved us and Christ died for us (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). God loved us when we were His enemies; therefore, we should love those who are our enemies: “even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
As you consider your thoughts toward others, remember God’s thoughts of love toward you—and do likewise.
Leviticus 19:18 was clear: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But the Jews had added a convenient addendum: “Love your neighbor and hate your enemy” (Matthew 5:43, emphasis added). Jesus corrected their selfish tradition: “But I say to you, love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44). This was a revolutionary idea! It would take the apostle Paul’s theological writing to expand on this idea by noting that, even though we were the enemies of God, God loved us and Christ died for us (Romans 5:10; Colossians 1:21). God loved us when we were His enemies; therefore, we should love those who are our enemies: “even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
As you consider your thoughts toward others, remember God’s thoughts of love toward you—and do likewise.