The sermon on the mount has sometimes been called the “constitution of Christianity.” The teachings of Christ in this sermon show what “constitutes” or makes up a Christian. One of the most striking characteristics of Christian character described in this sermon is loving one's enemies and returning good for evil (Matt. 5:43-44).

To love one's enemies and return good for evil cuts against the grain. The carnal man has an incredibly strong urge and desire to hate his enemies and return evil for evil. The Christian however is not a carnal man living after the flesh. He lives according to the spirit and as such provides a striking contrast between the world and the church (1 Peter 2:9, Titus 2:14).

The absence of retaliation is not loving our enemies. One may think that refraining from revenge is sufficient. It is not. Love is a verb demanding action. That action is returning good for evil (Matt 5:44, Rom. 12:1-2, 17-21). God's love for us was demonstrated in actions (John 3:16).

When one love's his enemies and returns good for evil, he is imitating his Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:45-48). What if God had treated us as we treat others whom we consider enemies? We'd be in a hopeless state. Let us live transformed lives demonstrated through sincerely loving our enemies and returning good for evil.