One of the areas we address to fulfill the directive to “be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48) involves loving like God loves. By the time of Jesus the religious leaders had amended the command of Leviticus 19:17-18 to love others by including one exception. They could “hate their enemy.” (Matthew 5:43) When it comes to perfection, the standard is the Father, not the teaching or interpretations of people. The standard of the Father is not subjective as it is the word the Father has provided for us. We realize the Bible contains the instructions that reveal to us what the Father expects and desires.
The standard specifically calls for our love to be stretched. We are to do more than love those who love us or who are likable. (v. 46) Jesus reminded us loving those who love us is what the tax collectors do so it is obviously not special in any way. This type of love is actually more interested in ‘what’s in it for me’ than anything else. The standard of God’s love encompasses more than being friendly. (Matthew 5:47) We are to be friendly, but Jesus said even the pagans greet people so this isn’t special either. The love of God takes the time to know people better, to meet the needs of those who are hurting, and to risk being vulnerable or used. Our love is to have depth to it. The standard stretches our love to include those who oppose us. (Matthew 5:43-48) Instead of hating or simply tolerating those who oppose us, we are to love them unconditionally, pray for them, and bless them rather than cursing them. The love of Christ stretches us and is the key to being perfect as the Father is perfect.