Jesus said, "Love."

Matthew 5:43-45 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in Heaven.”
 
JESUS preached with the authority of God because he is God. The prophets could say, “Hear the Lord’s word.” But when Jesus said, “I tell you.” the people in his congregation were directly hearing the Word of God from the Word made flesh.
   Yes, Jesus is a prophet, the perfect prophet, and in that office he is the sovereign God preaching his truth over all of his creation. Since then, all that has been and will be preached must proceed from God-breathed Scripture.
   Thus, when Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said.” he refers to a human’s view of God’s truths. “Hate your enemies” was the Pharisees’ reinterpretation and extension of God’s forgiveness and love law in Leviticus 19:18 “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” They translated love your neighbor into “hate your enemies”. They added to God’s Word with their own desires. This is the sin that has corrupted human minds since Satan tempted Eve.
   God never said to hate. Moses never wrote that. Yes, God directed Israel to defend itself, to attack and to destroy enemies who threatened their relationship with God. It is God’s purpose to protect us from those who seek to destroy us. It is not God’s purpose to have people hate one another.
   One demonstration of that is God’s post-Flood law that murder be a capital offense. Genesis 9:5c And from each man, too, I will demand an accounting for the life of his fellow man. Hatred and murder began with Cain to infect humanity to the point of God’s world-wide judgment. As the world began after the Flood, the LORD’s desire was we love and honor each other made in his image.
   You can be very grateful for God’s love. When he chooses us to be his sons and daughters, rejoice in his mercy. “Blessed are the merciful.” directs us toward loving one another. “I tell you.” negated the Pharisees’ unauthorized rules. Jesus’ truth saves you from living in ignorance, sin and death.
   Be thankful God’s way is to “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This kind of love leads people to Jesus. Through his love God has told you the truth “that you may be sons (children) of your Father in
 
 
here to edit.