Matthew 5:43 - The Message

^43-47 “You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’ I’m challenging that. I’m telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer, for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best—the sun to warm and the rain to nourish—to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴³ Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁴³ You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy; [Lev. 19:18; Ps. 139:21, 22.]

American Standard Version (1901)

⁴³ Ye have heard that it was said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy:

Common English Bible

⁴³ “You have heard that it was said, You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁴³ You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and you shall have hatred for your enemy.'

Matthew 5:43 Cross References