Love And Enemies

Ecce Dominus usque ad inimicos caritatem jubet extendi, et usque ad persecutores Christiani cordis benevolentiam dilatari. Et quae merces operum tantorum dabitur? vel quod munus praecepto huic obedientibus confertur? Ipse demonstret a se praeparatam caritati mercedem, qui per Spiritum sanctum gratis ipsam dignatur infundere caritatem: ipse nobis dicat quid pro caritate redditurus sit dignis, qui eamdem caritatem donare dignetur indignis. Dicat igitur Dominus, dicat, et proprio sermone magnitudinem nobis suae promissionis ostendat: Ut sitis, inquit, filii Patris vestri qui in coelis est. Cum enim diligendos praeciperet inimicos, amarum forsitan erat quod audienti jubebatur: sit, quaeso, dulce quod obedienti promittitur. Teneatur ergo dulcedinis hujus in corde suavitas, et amaritudinis illius superabitur difficultas. Qui enim dilexerint inimicos suos, et benefecerint eis qui eos oderunt, filii Dei erunt. Sanctus Fulgentius Ruspensis, Sermo V, De caritate Dei ac proximi Source: Migne PL 65.739b-c

Behold, the Lord commands that our love should extend to enemies, and that the heart of the Christian should reach out even to those who are persecutors. 1 And what is the reward that shall be given for such a great work? Or what gift shall be conferred on those who are obedient to this command? He in Himself has shown the reward prepared for love, which is that a man is made worthy to be filled with the Holy Spirit. He shall tell us what is worthy to be returned for love, He who gives that same love to those unworthy. So the Lord shall say, and with His own show us the greatness of His promise: 'That you be sons of your Father who is in heaven.' 1 Perhaps in this commanding of us to love our enemies, that which was commanded was bitter to those who heard it. But I think that what is promised to those who obey is sweet. Therefore let the sweetness of this delight be held in the heart, and it shall overcome the bitterness of all difficulties. They who have loved their enemies and have done well to those who hate them, they shall be sons of God. Saint Fulgentius of Ruspe, from Sermon 5, On Love of God and One's Neighbour 1 Mt 5.44 2 Mt 5.45