![]() The tax collectors were Jews of the region, who were engaged in the collection of indirect taxes such as tolls and customs. Jesus distinguishes between earthly rewards, and Godly rewards. Aggression displayed is transformed into a strategy of winning through the wisdom of love. Christianity is purposely not aggressive by nature and intent. As children of God, we must imitate the example of the Jesus. Jesus extends the love commandment to the enemy, and the persecutor. Both in the Old Testament, and in the Qumran (1QS 9:21), hatred of evil persons is assumed to be permitted and all right. ![]() The “neighbor” of this “love” commandment was understood as one’s fellow countryman. There is no Old Testament commandment demanding hatred of one’s enemy. There was no “as yourself” at the end of the quotation. (NAB Mt 5:43-48)ĭid you notice this series of verses left out the end of the quote from the first sentence. For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have? Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that? Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust. Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time! Truths that little children have learned: You can’t trust dogs to watch your food!ĭon’t sneeze when someone is cutting your hair!
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