The world hears much about the importance of harmonious human relationships, and the many discussions on the subject inescapably deal with the prevalent problem of what to do about one's enemies. The solutions generally offered, however, are premised on the assumption that we have enemies. It is with this attitude of thought that countless seekers have pondered with perplexity and a degree of frustration the counsel of Christ Jesus that we should love our enemies.
The Master summarily rejected the popular proneness to hate our enemies and particularized positive, protective action thus: to love our enemies, to bless them, to do good to them, and to pray for them (see Matt. 5:44). Revolutionary recommendations, indeed, and Matthew comments later (7:28), "The people were astonished at his doctrine." But Matthew arrestingly adds, "He taught them as one having authority."
It is significant that the great Teacher gave as the reason for loving one's enemies, "that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven" (Matt. 5:45). Thereupon he proceeded to make the points that the heavenly Father's love is impartial and that men cannot reflect this impartial love unless they too love universally. And the Master concluded with this all-inclusive command, "Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect," thereby designating love as the very substance of perfection.
