Matthew 5:43-45 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I 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 maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

There is a very interesting catch phrase in these verses and you might miss it if you are bothered terribly about having to love those who curse, despise, and persecute you. It is the line that says “That ye may be children of your father which is in heaven”.

Now let us go back to “If you love me obey my commandments.” What is the first  commandment with a blessing attached?

Exodus 20:12 Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.

Romans 8:15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

1 John 3:1 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.

You honor your Father in Heaven if you follow the example set by Him in Matthew 5:45 by treating all alike, showing favoritism to no one. The reason is simple if you will just accept its truth.

Nothing changes a person more than being loved.