Bible Question:
There are a number of scriptural passages where it is difficult for me to accept or understand them literally. For example, Jesus said that all the old laws were to remain in effect (Matt 5:18 "For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or stroke shall pass from the Law until all is accomplished.") But a few verses later he gives an example of a law that was changed (Matt 5:43-44 "You have heard that it was said, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." How is it possible to reconcile these two statements, if we accept them literally? He is definitely saying two different things, here. |
Bible Answer: Greetings EddyT! These verses you cite would only be a problem if the Law actually said to 'hate your enemy'. However, the Law says no such thing. Lev. 19:18 says that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. The religious leaders then expounded upon that and taught that while we must love our neighbors, it is alright to hate our enemies. Jesus is simply correcting their false teachings. He is not changing the Law, but going back to it's real meaning. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |