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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider Love your enemies

Love your enemies

Published Jun 16, 2026 12:05 am  |  Updated Jun 15, 2026 04:46 pm
REFLECTIONS TODAY
Jesus says another outrageous thing: “Love your enemies” (v 44). Again, we must understand this saying in the context of Jesus’ purpose here on earth: to establish God’s Kingdom.
Jesus believes that if we show love to our enemies and persecutors, they may change one day for the better and they can even become our co-workers in the Kingdom.
In God’s Kingdom, there is no place for hatred. There are no warring factions. No one is considered an enemy. Our lives, here and now, must be an anticipation of what is to come, where there is forgiveness and reconciliation, kindness, and respect. We can live as if the Kingdom of God has already completely come.
Jesus demands his listeners utmost self-control amid opposition and defeat. Our number one enemy is ourselves. We must love ourselves, the enemy within. Blessed are we if we are not consumed by anger. Blessed are we if we do not let our guards down.
Gospel • Matthew 5:43-48
Jesus said to his disciples: “You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.
“But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your heavenly Father, for he makes his sun rise on the bad and the good, and causes rain to fall on the just and the unjust.
“For if you love those who love you, what recompense will you have?
“Do not the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brothers only, what is unusual about that?
“Do not the pagans do the same? So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2026,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.
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