LOVE (MATTHEW 5:38-48)

REFLECTION Love, in its truest Christian sense, is not merely a sentiment or a fleeting emotion; it is a profound, active commitment to the well-being of others, regardless of their actions towards us. To love as Christ loves is to exercise a radical grace that defies human logic and transcends the natural impulse for retaliation.…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Jan 17, 2026

5–7 minutes

bible, christianity, faith, god, jesus

REFLECTION

Love, in its truest Christian sense, is not merely a sentiment or a fleeting emotion; it is a profound, active commitment to the well-being of others, regardless of their actions towards us. To love as Christ loves is to exercise a radical grace that defies human logic and transcends the natural impulse for retaliation. At its core, the theme of Love—specifically within the context of Matthew 5:38-48—calls us to a total transformation of the heart. It invites us to rethink our natural desire for revenge and instead embrace the identity of a ‘friendly foe’—one who remains kind and prayerful even in the face of hostility. Through this reflection, we will see that the key lessons of divine love involve surrendering our right to vengeance, recognising our common humanity under God’s providence, and pursuing spiritual perfection that mirrors our Heavenly Father.

The Call to Rethink Revenge

One of the most challenging shifts Jesus demands of His followers is the movement away from the ancient law of retribution. For centuries, the standard of justice was “Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth” (Matthew 5:38). This was a law of limitation, designed to prevent excessive punishment. However, Jesus revolutionises this concept by introducing a path of non-resistance and mercy. He tells us, “But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also” (Matthew 5:39).

To rethink revenge is to assess our initial reaction to hurt and consciously choose a different path. It is an acknowledgement that the cost of discipleship often requires us to endure injury for the sake of Christ. When we are tempted to strike back, we must look to the ultimate fulfilment of the law: Jesus Christ on the cross. Even in His agony, He did not seek retaliation but prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). By eschewing violence and seeking peace, we align ourselves with the beatitude: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9). Our peace is found not in getting even, but in surrendering our grievances to the One who judges justly.

Leaving Vengeance to the Just Judge

A practical reason to abandon revenge is the assurance that the Lord fights our battles. We are often ill-equipped to dispense true justice because our hearts are clouded by anger. The Apostle Paul reinforces this by instructing: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19). When we take matters into our own hands, we risk sinning against God and perpetuating a cycle of blindness—as Mohandas Gandhi famously noted, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.”+2

Instead, the Christian is called to a higher standard: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink” (Romans 12:20). This does not mean that the state should not punish crime; indeed, the authorities are “God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer” (Romans 13:4) to maintain order. However, on a personal level, we must forgive. We overcome evil not by matching it, but by overwhelming it with good.+1

Embracing the Identity of a Friendly Foe

The pinnacle of Jesus’ teaching on love is the command to be a ‘friendly foe.’ To be friendly is to be kind and pleasant; a foe is an opponent. To be a friendly foe is to remain kind to your enemy regardless of the differences or injuries between you. Jesus commands, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 5:44-45).

This teaching is difficult because it contradicts every worldly instinct. The world teaches us to love our allies and hate our enemies. Yet, if we only love those who love us, what reward do we have? Even the most secular person does that. As children of God, we are set apart to be different. We are called to recognise that even our enemies are created in the image of God and deserve His providence. We see this in God’s own character: “He makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). If God shows such common grace to all, how can we withhold our love?

The Pursuit of Divine Perfection

The ultimate goal of this radical love is found in the concluding exhortation of the passage: “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48). This perfection is not a claim of sinlessness, but a call to ‘completeness’ in love—a love that is not selective but all-encompassing. We cannot achieve this through our own strength. It is only through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit and the conviction that “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13) that we can truly love those who hate us.+1

Conclusion

In summary, the theme of Love as presented in Matthew 5:38-48 demands a total rethinking of our human nature. We have learned that we must eschew personal revenge, trusting that God is the final and just judge of all wrongs. We have seen that we are called to be friendly foes, extending kindness to those who oppose us because they share our common humanity as creations of God. Finally, we are reminded that our ultimate aim is to mirror the perfection of our Heavenly Father, whose love is unconditional and universal. By choosing mercy over retaliation and prayer over prejudice, we live out an extraordinary life that truly reflects our identity as heirs to the Kingdom of God.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your unconditional love, which reached us even while we were yet sinners. Grant us the grace to rethink our desires for revenge and the strength to turn the other cheek when we are hurt. Soften our hearts so that we may become ‘friendly foes,’ praying for those who persecute us and seeking the good of those who wish us ill. May Your Holy Spirit empower us to love without limits, so that our lives may reflect Your divine perfection and bring light to a dark world. In the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Saviour, we pray. Amen.