5:46,47
We might think we are kind because we are hospitable to our friends. Now it is not wrong to do that, but there is nothing particularly virtuous in doing that. The world does the very same thing. We are to be holy as God is holy. Note also the mention of reward. What is the reward? It is the extension of God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom grows by His people loving their enemies.
5:48
“Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” We can take this as an intimidating command, or we can take it as a promise, as an indication of the glory of the gospel. God’s plan for humanity is that we become like Him in righteousness and holiness. All human philosophies and worldly ways of living devalue and demean us. God’s ways place the highest value on us. We have been given the highest possible calling in life, to be like God! Human religions end up levelling things down to what we can handle, which isn’t very much! God seeks to raise us up.
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