---
title: Matthew 5:46
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-5-46/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/matthew-5-46.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: Matthew 5:46
testament: NT
section: Gospels
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# Matthew 5:46

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Do not even tax collectors do the same?

## NWT Wording of the Key Phrase

- NWT (2013 revision): "For if you love those loving you, what reward do you have? Are not also the tax collectors doing the same thing?"

## JW Usage

Matthew 5:46 receives little JW commentary because it cuts uncomfortably against the Watchtower's appeal to internal love as evidence of being God's true people. The Watchtower frequently cites John 13:35 ("by this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves") as proof that JWs alone manifest Christian love — but Matthew 5:46 immediately undermines this rhetorical move by noting that even tax collectors love those who love them in return.

## Protestant Usage

Pair Matthew 5:46 with John 13:35 to expose the inadequacy of the JW appeal to internal love. Jesus says loving only those who love you back is what tax collectors do — it does not distinguish a person as a disciple. The distinguishing love is the kind that crosses lines: love for enemies (vv. 43-44), love for outsiders, love for the unlovely. Pair with James 1:27 (pure worship is caring for orphans and widows in their tribulation) and Galatians 6:10 ("toward all" first, "especially toward those related to us in the faith"). The Watchtower's disaster relief flowing primarily to fellow Witnesses, with no public hospitals or food banks for the wider community, fits the pattern Jesus warned against: the reward is the same one tax collectors receive.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [James Defines Pure Religion — and It Isn't Preaching](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/james127-pure-religion.md) — James 1:27 / Matthew 5:46-47 / Galatians 6:10 [Practice]