i think i'm getting a cold... blegh... this sucks. i guess i should focus more on sleeping than studying... yeah that would work just fine
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A few commentsleap_of_faith05September 30 2005, 12:57:37 UTC
Hey kendall. I know that you've read these verses, and I'm sure more than once; but I want to give you a couple translations to give you a new perspective :)
here is the NIV version: 43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[b] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
The end part of that might be semi-hard to really get. Isn't it impossible to become perfect? well the next version really cleared it up for me. And usually, for whatever reason I don't really like 'The Message' version. I don't know why. But in this case I REEEEALLY like it.
43"You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.' 44I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, 45for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best--the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. 46If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. 47If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
here is the NIV version:
43"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.' 44But I tell you: Love your enemies[b] and pray for those who persecute you, 45that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Footnotes:
1. Matthew 5:43 Lev. 19:18
2. Matthew 5:44 Some late manuscripts enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you
(here's the link if you want to see it http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt.%205:43-48&version=31)
The end part of that might be semi-hard to really get. Isn't it impossible to become perfect? well the next version really cleared it up for me.
And usually, for whatever reason I don't really like 'The Message' version. I don't know why. But in this case I REEEEALLY like it.
43"You're familiar with the old written law, "Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, "Hate your enemy.' 44I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer, 45for then you are working out of your true selves, your God-created selves. This is what God does. He gives his best--the sun to warm and the rain to nourish--to everyone, regardless: the good and bad, the nice and nasty. 46If all you do is love the lovable, do you expect a bonus? Anybody can do that. 47If you simply say hello to those who greet you, do you expect a medal? Any run-of-the-mill sinner does that.48"In a word, what I'm saying is, Grow up. You're kingdom subjects. Now live like it. Live out your God-created identity. Live generously and graciously toward others, the way God lives toward you.
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=matt.%205:43-48;&version=65;
I am praying for you, and I hope reading that helps :)
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