The basis for loving and praying for enemies is God, who bestows blessings equally on those who love him and seek to honour him as King, as well as those who live in his world with no concern for him (enemies). 1 Jewish teachers also recognized the fact that God was gracious to all humanity, including the morally undeserving. 2 The concept of prayer for enemies/persecutors is also anticipated in the Old Testament (Genesis 20:17; Exodus 23:4–5; Numbers 12:13; Numbers 21:7; 1 Samuel 24:17–19; 2 Samuel 19:6; 1 Kings 3:11; Job 31:29; Psalm 7:3–5; Proverbs 24:17–18, Proverbs 24:29; Proverbs 25:21–22; Jeremiah 29:7; Jonah 4:10–11). 3
44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,