Enemies?

Spoken by the words of our Lord, "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44) Jesus tells us to love the ones who hurt us. How in the world would He expect us to love someone we assume to hate? He says, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect." (Matthew 5:48)
We are to be Christ like. All we can do is try our hardest to be perfect and just like Christ. But, whenever we arent, ask for forgiveness.  "This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all." (1 John 1:5) Jesus says that we can ask him for forgiveness anytime. That verse is about sin and forgiveness. Forgiveness is a very valuable thing. It isnt very easily given or easy to obtain. It's a very crucial for living; it can release us from sin and can give us hope for the future. Its for forgiveness sake that Jesus was even to come to earth to die for mankind. Whenever Jesus was dying on the cross he asked God to forgive the people who were brutally killing him. "Jesus said, "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) How much love would that take? I find it hard to love or even like someone who starts a rumor about me so how perfect is Jesus to love the people who put a crown of thorns on him. Nailed his hands and feet into wood. Jesus' love for us is so indescribable and everlasting. Evern I, a 17 year old Senior in high school, struggle with loving. But, I always try to remember that because Jesus loves us, we are to love all. No matter how hard it may be. He commands us to love.