Unspoken Sermons · Chapter
Love Thine Enemy explained
This chapter explores the radical command to love one's enemies, arguing that such love is possible because all people share a divine essence.
What happens
This chapter explores the radical command to love one's enemies, arguing that such love is possible because all people share a divine essence. It emphasizes that true love and justice are inseparable, and that we must see beyond a person's faults to the core humanity that is lovable and redeemable.
Themes in this chapter
Love of Neighbor and Enemy
Central theme: the command to love enemies as a reflection of divine love and the basis for true justice.
Inner Transformation and Perfection
Explores the call to be perfect as the Father, achieved through divine energy working in man.
The Individual Relationship with God
Emphasizes becoming a child of the Father as the condition for loving enemies.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Quoted as teaching the command to love enemies and be perfect as the Father.
- God the Father
Presented as the model of perfect love, making sun rise on evil and good, and rain on just and unjust.
- The Child
Referenced as the child of the Father in heaven, who can love enemies.
- The Brother Christ
Implied as the brother inside the enemy, to be loved and recognized.
- Satan
Mentioned as the captor of the enchanted brother or sister, from whom they need to be freed.
Key passages
“Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy; but I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven; for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
You've been taught to love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat and persecute you. This way you become children of your Father in heaven, who makes his sun rise on both evil and good, and sends rain on both the just and the unjust.
This is the core teaching of the chapter, setting up the radical command to love enemies.
“Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.
This verse concludes the passage and is interpreted as the goal of divine transformation.
“Is it then reasonable to love our enemies? God does; therefore it must be the highest reason.”
Is it reasonable to love our enemies? God does it, so it must be the highest form of reason.
The author argues that God's example makes loving enemies not only possible but rational.