Undeserved Love

Matthew 5:44-46

Author

Josh Hernandez
September 05, 2025

 Throughout the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents ideas of a reversal of what society finds acceptable or unacceptable, another being the case for loving our enemies. One of the most difficult tasks a man can do is show love to someone who has not shown us love or has wronged us in any way. Bitterness tends to take over in times where we are wronged, making it seem impossible for us to ever show love to our persecutor. Jesus connects this idea of being sons of our Father, an identity that is like our God.

Matthew 5:44–46

[44] But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. [46] For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? (ESV)

We see this attitude in Jesus Christ, where he lays down his life for his enemy! Paul says, “For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life” (Romans 5:10, English Standard Version). If while we were dead in our sins, following after the things of this world, Jesus Christ still laid down His life for us. How much more shall we love those who wrong us. Since we have been loved and forgiven great, we must love and forgive great.

Respond with any questions, encouragement, or prayer requests,

In Christ, 

Josh Hernandez