Teaching about Love for Enemies

Matthew 5:38-48

38. You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’
39. But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also.
40. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well.
41. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. [Note]
42. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.
43. You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy.
44. But I say, love your enemies! [Bless those who curse you. Do good to those who hate you.] Pray for those who persecute you!
45. In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For He gives His sunlight to both the evil and the good, and He sends rain on the just and the unjust alike.
46. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that.
47. And if you greet only your friends, [and ignore others] how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.
48. Therefore, endeavor to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Luke 6:27-36

27. But I say to you who are listening: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
28. bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.
29. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also.
30. Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
31. Treat others in the same way that you would want them to treat you.
32. If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them!
33. And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!
34. And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, why should you get credit? Even sinners will lend to other sinners expecting full payment in return.
35. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he [too] is kind to ungrateful and evil people.
36. Be loving and merciful, just as your Father is loving, merciful.