--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The Law found more than it lost when…" description: "\"The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who i..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2a/tertullian-3469_christ_the-law-found-more-than-it-lost-when-chr_1020268.png" --- # The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, ‘Love… ![“The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven’ (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow…” quote by Tertullian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2a/tertullian-3469_christ_the-law-found-more-than-it-lost-when-chr_1020268.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2a/tertullian-3469_christ_the-law-found-more-than-it-lost-when-chr_1020268.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/d2a/tertullian-3469_christ_the-law-found-more-than-it-lost-when-chr_1020268.png) > “The Law found more than it lost when Christ said, ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven’ (Matthew 5:44-45). This most important commandment summarizes in a word the universal discipline of patience, since it does not allow us to do evil even to people who deserve it.” [Tertullian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tertullian/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Loving enemies and praying for persecutors demonstrates divine patience, refusing retaliation even toward the undeserving. **In simple terms:** Love enemies, show patience, avoid retaliation. Key Takeaway Practice compassion toward adversaries. Themes patience forgiveness spiritual discipline non‑violence Mood reflective serious Type scriptural ethical When to use this quote - conflict resolution - personal relationships - social activism - interfaith dialogue Key Concepts Christian ethics moral resilience Questions to Reflect On - How can you extend love to someone who harms you? - What limits exist for non‑violent responses? A Different Perspective May be difficult to apply when harm is severe or ongoing. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/christ/) [Commandment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commandment/) [Commandments](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/commandments/) [Discipline](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/discipline/) [Enemy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/enemy/) [Evil](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/evil/) [Father](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/father/) [Heaven](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/heaven/) [Law](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/law/) [Love your enemies](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love-your-enemies/) [Matthew](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/matthew/) [Parenting](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parenting/) [People](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/people/) [Praying](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/praying/) [Son](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/son/) ## Related quotes > [“...Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you...”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesus-christ/love-your-enemies-and-pray-for-those-who-persecute-you/) [Jesus Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesus-christ/) > [But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jesus-christ/but-i-say-to-you-love-your-enemies-and-pray-for-those-who-persecute/) [Jesus Christ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jesus-christ/) > [Then I read this: “You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 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Wiersbe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/warren-w-wiersbe/) > [“Love your enemies, they are prospects.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/toba-beta/love-your-enemies-they-are-prospects/) [Toba Beta](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/toba-beta/) > [Every genuine expression of love grows out of a consistent and total surrender to God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/martin-luther-king-jr/every-genuine-expression-of-love-grows-out-of-a-consistent-and-total/) [Martin Luther King, Jr](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/martin-luther-king-jr/) ## More by Tertullian > [The soul whose bosom lust did never touch Is God's fair bride; and maiden's souls are such.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/tertullian/the-soul-whose-bosom-lust-did-never-touch-is-god-s-fair-bride-and/) [Tertullian](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/tertullian/) > [You can't undo anything you've already done, but you can face up to it. You can tell the truth. You can seek forgiveness. 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