Matthew 5: 44: "But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those that curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you...." Is Jesus asking the impossible of us? How can I love someone I can't stand? There are four Greek words that are translated to love in English: Eros (romantic love), Phillia (affectionate brotherly love), Agape ( a selfless love that seeks to do good to all men). and Storge (a love for our parents, children and other members of our family). Jesus is using the Greek word "agape." Jesus knows we can't work up affection for those that we don't care for. He doesn't expect us to treat the enemy as a family member. Nor does He expect us to have romantic feelings for our enemies. However, we can act out love by doing acts of love for those that seek to hurt us. Agape is the God-kind of love. You can bake cookies for someone you don't like. You can help fix a flat tire for your enemy. That is what Jesus meant when He said, "Love your enemies." Notice, He didn't say it would be easy.
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