³⁸“You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ ³⁹But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. ⁴⁰If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. ⁴¹If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile,^* carry it two miles. ⁴²Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.

Teaching about Love for Enemies

⁴³“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’^* and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴But I say, love your enemies!^* Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. ⁴⁶If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. ⁴⁷If you are kind only to your friends,^* how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. ⁴⁸But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Read in Logos

Matthew 5:48: You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Footnotes

*5:41 Greek milion [4,854 feet or 1,478 meters].
*5:43 Lev 19:18.
*5:44 Some manuscripts add Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you. Compare Luke 6:27–28.
*5:47 Greek your brothers.