Matthew 5:44

“But I say unto you, love your enemies, etc.] That is, as the Apostle Paul may be thought to interpret the words of Christ, ( <451220>Romans 12:20). “If thine enemy hunger, feed him: if he thirst, give him drink”: unless our Lord should be supposed rather to regard the internal affection of the mind; since outward expressions of love, by words and works, are urged in the following exhortations: the actions of a man may be hated, and just indignation be expressed against them, and yet his person be loved, tenderness be used to him, and pity shown him: all men, even enemies, are to be loved with a natural love, as men; though they cannot be loved with a spiritual affection, as brethren in…”

“But I say unto you, Love your enemies--The word here used denotes moral love, as distinguished from the other word, which expresses personal affection. Usually, the former denotes "complacency in the character" of the person loved; but here it denotes the benignant, compassionate outgoings of desire for another's good. bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you--The best commentary on these matchless counsels is the bright example of Him who gave them. (See Pe1 2:21-24; and compare Rom 12:20-21; Co1 4:12; Pe1 3:9). But though such precepts were never before expressed--perhaps not even conceived--with such breadth,…”

“Love your enemies - There are two kinds of love, involving the same general feeling, or springing from the same fountain of good-will to all mankind, but differing so far as to admit of separation in idea. The one is that feeling by which we approve of the conduct of another, commonly called the love of complacency; the other, that by which we wish well to the person of another, though we cannot approve his conduct. This is the love of benevolence, and this love we are to bear toward our enemies. It is impossible to love the conduct of a person who curses and reviles us, who injures our person or property, or who violates all the laws of God; but, though we may hate his conduct, and suffer…”

“Bless them that curse you - Speak all the good you can to and of them, who speak all evil to and of you. Repay love in thought, word, and deed, to those who hate you, and show it both in word and deed. Luk 6:27, Luk 6:35. Matthew 5:45”

“Exo 23:4, Exo 23:5; Kg2 6:22; Ch2 28:9-15; Psa 7:4, Psa 35:13, Psa 35:14; Pro 25:21, Pro 25:22; Luk 6:27, Luk 6:28, Luk 6:34, Luk 6:35, Luk 23:34; Act 7:60; Rom 12:14, Rom 12:20, Rom 12:21; Co1 4:12, Co1 4:13; Co1 13:4-8; Pe1 2:23, Pe1 3:9 Matthew 5:45”