Jesus and Law (3)

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus distinguished between the laws given to Moses and local sayings.

You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies (Matt 5:43-44).

Much of what they had heard about the law was not in it. The law did not command them to hate their enemies. Jesus taught them what the law really said.

Unfortunately, many Christians interpret the law as if it required us to hate our enemies. This is perpetuating the false ideas that Jesus had to deal with. We must treat those who have harmed us with love not hate, so our interpretation and application of the law must be consistent with love.