PASTOR’S CORNER, Aaron Koehn, Trinity Faith Church, Liberal
Jesus raises the bar in Matthew 5 – and He raises it high. He calls us to perfection. Before that, He tells us to love our enemies.
Love our enemies.
Who says that? Jesus does.
Even while hanging on the cross, Jesus prayed for the very people who were crucifying Him. He asked the Father to forgive those who were killing Him. Think about that.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you… You, therefore, will be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43–48 (AMP)
Jesus makes it clear that both good and bad happen to everyone. The difference is how we respond. As bearers of truth and light, we are called not just to endure offense—but to pray for those who hurt us.
That is not easy.
Yet Jesus tells us that by loving and praying for our enemies, we mature spiritually. Our faith deepens. Our witness grows stronger. We move closer to righteousness—not perfection without flaw, but perfection through maturity.
The alternative is remaining spiritually immature. That is not where I want my relationship with God to be.
I would love to say I have mastered this principle, but the truth is I am imperfectly perfect—striving for righteousness, learning daily. When I apply this teaching, I see God move in ways I never imagined. My heart changes. Love replaces offense. Growth replaces bitterness.
Matthew 5 gives us much to reflect on. Pray through these verses and allow the Holy Spirit to guide you.
