Matthew 5:44

Epistle of Polycarp to the Philippians

and potentates, and princes, and for those that persecute and hate you,[74]

Irenaeus Against Heresies Book III

the long-suffering, patience, compassion, and goodness of Christ are exhibited, since He both suffered, and did Himself exculpate those who had maltreated Him. For the Word of God, who said to us, "Love your enemies, and pray for those that hate you,"[349]

Theophilus to Autolycus Book III

For if ye love them who love you, what reward have ye? This do also the robbers and the publicans."[29]

Athenagoras A Plea for the Christians

What, then, are those teachings in which we are brought up? "I say unto you, Love your enemies; bless them that curse you; pray for them that persecute you; that ye may be the sons of your Father who is in heaven, who causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust."[35]

Clement of Alexandria The Instructor Book I

He will not desire us to take revenge, who teaches us "to pray for those that despitefully use us."[158]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book IV

How great also is benignity! "Love your enemies," it is said, "bless them who curse you, and pray for them who despitefully use you,"[130]

Clement of Alexandria Stromata Book VII

For he does not merely instance the Gnostic as characterized by suffering wrong rather than do wrong; but he teaches that he is not mindful of injuries, and does not allow him even to pray against the man who has done him wrong. For he knows that the Lord expressly enjoined "to pray for enemies."[141]

Tertullian The Apology

Learn from them that a large benevolence is enjoined upon us, even so far as to supplicate God for our enemies, and to beseech blessings on our persecutors.[44]

Tertullian On Idolatry

How much more, while you are returning the malediction in the name of Jupiter himself, are you doing honour to Jupiter in the same way as he who provoked you! But a believer ought to laugh in such cases, not to rave; nay, according to the precept,[169]

Tertullian On Prayer

even for our personal enemies.[23]

Tertullian Of Patience

The law has found more than it has lost, while Christ says, "Love your personal enemies, and bless your cursers, and pray for your persecutors, that ye may be sons of your heavenly Father."[70]

Origen Against Celsus Book VIII " And I am not yet speaking of those whose characters have been formed by the teaching of Jesus, and who have heard the words, "Love your enemies, and pray for them which despitefully use 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."[76]

Cyprian Treatise XII Three Books of Testimonies Against the Jews

Also according to Matthew: "Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you, that ye may be the children of your Father who is in heaven, who maketh His sun to rise upon the good and the evil, and giveth rain upon the righteous and the unrighteous."[623]

Lactantius Divine Institutes Book VI

He must not receive a gift from a poor man; so that if he himself has afforded anything, it may be good, inasmuch as it is gratuitous. If any one reviles, he must answer him with a blessing;[132]

Didache

the teaching is this: Bless them that curse you, and pray for your enemies, and fast for them that persecute you.[8]

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book I

For so says He again in the Gospel: "Love your enemies, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you; and ye shall be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He maketh His sun to shine on the evil and on the good, and raineth on the just and unjust."[15]

Constitutions of the Holy Apostles Book VII "Bless them that curse you; pray for them that despitefully use you."[14]

2 Clement "There is no thank unto you, if ye love them that love you; but there is thank unto you, if ye love your enemies and them that hate you; "[97]

Clementine Homily III

And not only did He o this as a father, but also taught His disciples to do the like, bearing themselves as towards brethren.[10]

Clementine Homily III

And again, `Be ye good and merciful, as your Father in the heavens, who makes the sun rise on good and evil men, and brings rain upon just and unjust.'[63]