How do you read and understand the biblical text from Matthew 5:44?

In English

and

literally

Jesus was teaching the NT New Covenant of the Lords grace. The OT Old Covenant was all about Gods righteous judgment.

Matthew 5:43-48 — “You have heard Moses' law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven. For he gives his sunlight to both the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that. But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.

A person can better know the true meanings of Bible verses by reciting the rosary of the Virgin Mary every day with care and sincerity.  Mary is the mother of all of us and the perfect disciple of Jesus Christ!

This is based on the idea of Moses to love your neighbour as yourself, if somebody has not yet learned to love themselves, they should work on self love before trying to love others. God expects obedience but he accepts imperfect growth that prepares you for obedience to God so you don’t have to be perfectly mature the instant you hear the law, because God gives you time to grow into what you have learned. 

It means what it says and it says what it means.  Maybe there's a little hyperbole in there, but we really are supposed to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The truth causes divisions in some families causing loved ones to become enemies Math 10;34-40 Also some neighbours also become hostile but we dont judge them and by being patient with them they may eventually listen

This is difficult but not impossible. Loving an enemy does not mean liking all his ways or his deeds.

 The Greek word found in Matthew’s account is derived from a·gaʹpe, which describes a love that acts in harmony with principle. 

The person who manifests a·gaʹpe, principled love, does good even to an enemy who hates and mistreats him.

 Why? Because it is the way to imitate Christ, and it is the way to conquer hatred.

Yeah. So?

Are you finding it difficult or something? Aren't you someone's enemy, and probably with good reason? You want them praying for you? Or do you just like to fight?

It's a myth . the first couple of times i read all thru it was compelling  .  Further research into Saint Paul made me conclude Christianity is a myth and Paul was a  creation along the Piso Flavian Meme.

The Christian myth has been broadsided to junk status due to the internet information age . Attrition has turned into a steady flow .  Please ignore opinion if religious bagonuts and enjoy  your imaginary friend and cult 

God expects His Elect to engage in a behavior that is unlike that of the worlds. It may not always happen yet God still wants and expects better for and from His own.