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; (Matthew 5:44)
Compare Rom. 12:20. The word for “love,”agapan, denotes the love of respect in contrast with philein, which describes the love of emotion (filial love), such as exists between members of the family (see on Matt. 5:43). The command would be impossible if it enjoined men to philein their enemies, for they could not feel toward their enemies the same emotional warmth of affection that they feel toward the immediate members of their families, nor is that expected. Philein is spontaneous, emotional, and is nowhere commanded in the NT. Agapan, on the other hand, can be and is commanded, for it is under the control of the will. To agapan our bitterest enemies is to treat them with respect and courtesy and to regard them as God regards them.
Bless.
Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 146) for omitting the second and third clauses of this declaration, as well as the words “despitefully use you.” According to these ancient witnesses Christ simply said, “Love your enemies, pray for them that persecute you.” However, compare Luke 6:27, 28.