38 “aYou have heard that it was said, ‘bAn eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’

39 “But I say to you, do not resist an evil person; but awhoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also.

40 “If anyone wants to sue you and take your 1shirt, let him have your 2coat also.

41 “Whoever 1forces you to go one mile, go with him two.

42 “aGive to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.

43 “aYou have heard that it was said, ‘bYou shall love your neighbor cand hate your enemy.’

44 “But I say to you, alove your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

45 so that you may 1be asons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

46 “For aif you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?

48 “Therefore 1ayou are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.