Why did Christ tell us to love our enemies?

Answer

"But 1 say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and
pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father
which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and
on the unjust." Matt. 5: 44, 45.

What is God declared to be?
9. What prophetic period extends to the time of the cleansing of the sanctuary, or the investigative judgment?
What immediately followed this complete apostasy?
In what language is this clearly stated?
What promise is made to those who look for Him?
What does Christ proclaim Himself to be?
How extensive will be the reign of Christ?

Questions & Answers are from the book Bible Readings for the Home Circle