For if you love only those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?
In this saying, Jesus clearly shows that true Christian love goes beyond the limits of natural human love. To love those who love us is normal and natural even for sinful people (for example, tax collectors) who do not live according to God’s laws. Jesus emphasizes that such an attitude does not reflect genuine spiritual height, because even those who are far from God’s will do the same. Jesus calls His followers to have a greater, broader expression of love: to love not only those who treat them well, but also those who are hostile. Thus, Jesus’ teaching requires rising above natural human oppositions and reaching a higher level by showing love even toward adversaries. This saying shows us that love based only on reciprocity is no different from ordinary human behavior, and only when we also love those who do not love us do we become God’s true children.