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.

How comprehensive are these commandments?
By what means did the Jews know God's will?
To whom was this covenant-promise later renewed?
What does the Apostle Paul say concerning this?
What will His true followers do?
How does the prophet again speak of this time?
Whom will they be like?

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