Mat 5:43 | MHM | STEP | The Sermon on the Mount In this section, Jesus explains the true meaning of the command to love your neighbor. He corrects false ideas taught by some Jewish teachers, who narrowed the meaning of “neighbor” and even encouraged hatred of enemies. Jesus teaches that true followers of God must love all people, even those who treat them badly. This loving attitude reflects the character of God and goes beyond what is natural or expected in human society. v. 43 : The law teaches, You shall love your neighbor (Matthew 5:43 ). But some teachers wrongly added, and hate your enemy . This was not God’s intention. God’s law really teaches kindness even to foreigners and former enemies (Exodus 23:4-5; Deuteronomy 23:7 ). But people often use God’s commands to justify their own anger or hatred. Jesus wants his followers to live by God’s true meaning, not human tradition.

‏ Matthew 5:43

The Sermon on the Mount

In this section, Jesus explains the true meaning of the command to love your neighbor. He corrects false ideas taught by some Jewish teachers, who narrowed the meaning of “neighbor” and even encouraged hatred of enemies. Jesus teaches that true followers of God must love all people, even those who treat them badly. This loving attitude reflects the character of God and goes beyond what is natural or expected in human society.

v. 43: The law teaches, You shall love your neighbor (Matthew 5:43 ^a). But some teachers wrongly added, and hate your enemy. This was not God’s intention. God’s law really teaches kindness even to foreigners and former enemies (Exodus 23:4-5; Deuteronomy 23:7 ^b). But people often use God’s commands to justify their own anger or hatred. Jesus wants his followers to live by God’s true meaning, not human tradition.