Loving friends and hating enemies would seem to be the most natural thing in the world and, if we are honest, it is probably what we find ourselves doing a lot of the time. The teaching of Jesus seems quite impractical even as an ideal, if not actually impossible. Yet, further reflection may help us to see things differently. The reason Jesus gives for loving those who are hostile to us is that it is what God Himself does. God pours out His infinite love on every single person equally. There is not a single exception. Everything depends on our understanding of the word 'love'. Here it has nothing to do with liking people, or affection, still less sex. Love here means wanting the good of the other person. Who need our prayers for their good more than those who are full of hate and anger? What Jesus asks us to do is not only not strange, it is the only way to go!