44. But I tell you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [Prov. 25:21, 22.]
45. To show that you are the children of your Father Who is in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the wicked and on the good, and makes the rain fall upon the upright and the wrongdoers [alike].
46. For if you love those who love you, what reward can you have? Do not even the tax collectors do that?
47. And if you greet only your brethren, what more than others are you doing? Do not even the Gentiles (the heathen) do that?
48. You, therefore, must be perfect [growing into complete maturity of godliness in mind and character, having reached the proper height of virtue and integrity], as your heavenly Father is perfect. [Lev. 19:2, 18.]