You have heard it said, “Love your neighbor as yourself and be indifferent to your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemy, speak well of those who curse you, do what is proper to those who are indifferent to you, and worship concerning those who mistreat you (Matthew 5:43–44).
The Mosaic Law instructs the Israelites to love their neighbors as themselves (Leviticus 19:18). The directive regarding indifference toward enemies originates from interpretive traditions established by Jewish leaders, rather than from the law itself. The question, “Who is your neighbor?” was the subject of extensive debate among Jewish scholars, with many religious leaders asserting that the command applied exclusively to Jews, thereby excluding Gentiles.
Within the context of the Millennial Kingdom, righteousness prevails. Consequently, the Jewish people are instructed to respond to curses with blessings. A curse is understood as an invocation of calamity upon another individual. When faced with indifference, they are to act appropriately, and in cases of mistreatment, they are to direct their worship toward God on behalf of those who wrong them. These responses are intended to cultivate maturity and understanding, enabling individuals to become sons of their heavenly Father.
Jesus subsequently addresses the change in the Law. He questions the merit of expressing love only toward those who reciprocate it, noting that even tax collectors—regarded by Jews as lower than Gentiles—demonstrate such behavior (Matthew 5:47). Instead, the Jewish people are called to exhibit maturity by emulating the conduct of their heavenly Father (Matthew 5:48).
In contrast to both Mosaic and Kingdom Laws, Christians are commanded to love one another as Christ has loved them. During the Last Supper, Jesus introduced this new commandment to his disciples: “A new commandment I give you, in order that you should love one another. Just as I have loved you, in order that you should love one another” (John 13:34). This directive is not a modification of the Mosaic Law, as covenants cannot be altered or annulled once established (Galatians 3:15). This commandment applies specifically to those who are members of the body of Christ, the Church. Through their love for one another, Christians demonstrate to others that they are disciples of Christ (John 13:35).
In issuing the new commandment, Jesus employs a term for “one another” that refers specifically to those of the same kind. The love produced in Christians by the Holy Spirit is not intended to be directed toward the world or worldly things (1 John 2:15). While Christians are encouraged to do good to all people, this particular form of love is reserved for members of the household of faith (Galatians 6:10).
The standard of love within the Church is defined by Christ’s love for it. As stated, “Greater love has no man than to lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). This concept extends beyond the act of dying for another; it encompasses living in a way that consistently seeks the well-being of fellow Christians (1 John 3:16). Just as Christ’s life is devoted to the Church and he continually intercedes on behalf of believers before the Father, Christians are called to seek the best for one another (Hebrews 7:25).
