Matthew 5:38-48 “Loving Our Enemies”

Message Details

Passage: Matthew 5:38-48

Retaliation
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.

Love Your Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Intro:
We should adjust how we interact with enemies for the purpose of spreading God’s image and heart. Because our hearts matter to God, we relate to our enemies in a redemptive way.

Outro:
When we love our enemies, we aren’t pointing them to an idea or a philosophy. We’re pointing them to the love of God in the person of Jesus Christ.

And in light of what he’s done, we can exhibit a joyful, not-anxious, not-bitter benevolence toward humanity, even our enemies for the display and glory of God through the gospel of Jesus.

So, when we’re spurned, insulted, we set our pride aside. For the sake of showing God to people who desperately need to see Him. But they don’t deserve it! Neither did you!

And one day, the Bible says Jesus will have victory over His enemies. That day is not ours to know. That judgment is not ours to give. We are called to proclaim truth and exhibit love. Even to our enemies. As it was done to us. For His glory.