Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it has been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy. This law reasonable: I. If we consider THE NATURE OF THE ACT here required, which is to love — the most natural, easy, and delightful of all the affections; whereas ill-will and revenge are troublesome and vexatious passions. The devising of mischief, accomplishment of it, and reflection upon it are uneasy. II. If we consider THE QUALIFICATION OF THE OBJECT — Our enemy. The two great foundations of love are relation and likeness. Men alike and related in essential nature. The hatred of an enemy, if we make a right use of it, may prove of greater advantage to us than the civilities of our best friend; is better and less dangerous than the flatterer. Reconciled enemies often prove our best friends. III. If we consider THE EXCELLENCE AND GENEROSITY OF THE THING ITSELF. It is the most perfect act of the most perfect of all graces — in spite of provocation. IV. The PERFECTION AND PREVALENCY OF THE EXAMPLES which the gospel proposeth to us to allure to this duty. 1. The example of God Himself. 2. The example of Jesus Christ.It is objected that the bearing of injuries like this invites more. 1. Few so bad as to make so barbarous a return for generosity. 2. Christ never intended that our goodness should be void of all prudence.Learn: 1. Let us be careful how we make enemies, if it be thus difficult to love them. 2. How great ought our kindness to be to others. 3. The excellence of Christian religion which hath carried our duty so high. 4. The humanity of the Christian religion. (T. Tillotson.) Parallel Verses KJV: Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.WEB: "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' |
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