Love ye your enemies, and do good

In this message, the Lord Jesus shows how different from the standards of the world are the attitudes and actions of those who would seek to follow Him.

In verses 20 to 26, we see the blessedness of a godly life. Four times those associated with Him are called ‘blessed’, vv. 20-23, in contrast to those on whom ‘woe’ is pronounced four times, vv. 24-26. As most people view things, being poor and hungry, weeping, and being hated and reviled are not considered desirable. But when it is for His sake, v. 22, and will be greatly rewarded, v. 23, it is cause for rejoicing.

Verses 27 to 38 show much of the behaviour of a godly life. It includes loving one’s enemies, vv. 27, 35, doing good in return for hatred, v. 27, responding to cursing with blessing, v. 28, praying for those who mistreat, v. 28, giving more instead of retaliating, v. 29, lending without expecting to be repaid, vv. 30, 34, 35, showing mercy, v. 36, avoiding a judgemental spirit, v. 37, and showing forgiveness, v. 37. This is the opposite of how the man of the world would act, but the Lord points out that there is no virtue in acting in the way sinners do, vv. 32-34. Rather,His followers are to behave like their Father. Those who conduct themselves according to these principles will also be rewarded in the same way, vv. 35, 37, 38.

Finally, in verses 39 to 49, the Lord gives the basis of a godly life. As He shows in the parable of the two houses, vv. 46-49, the key is obedience to what He says. His word is the rock on which godly character is built. Thus the disciple will show character like that of the Master, v. 40, and will act in a manner consistent with what he professes to believe, vv. 41, 42. Just as the fruit produced by a tree shows what sort of a tree it is, even so, what is seen and heard from a person shows the true state of his heart, vv. 43-45.

So there is a stark choice: either to follow the pervasive philosophy of this present world system, or to obey the Lord Jesus from the heart. To settle for the former is to be without foundation. To choose the latter is to have a sure foundation, to receive His blessing, and to look forward to a reward in heaven.