Enemies

·        Matthew 5:43-44

§  “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you

·        Luke 6:27-29

§  “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.

·        Luke 23:34

§  Jesus said, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

·        Acts 7:60

§  Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

o   These passages have huge implications for our world today!

·        In your personal life:

o   Bullies

o   Fights with friends/parents

·        In your faith life

o   Other religions

o   Other missionaries

·        In our world at large!

o   War?

§  No war

§  Just war

Discussion Questions:

1.     Who in your personal life do you consider an enemy? What can you do to love them like Jesus tells His disciples to?

2.     Is there anyone in your life that you could consider an enemy to your faith? What’s one way that you could show them love and still show them that you are a committed Christian?

3.     Some advocate for abstaining from war in all situations. Others say there can be just wars in which you can still be loving your enemies. Which do you think is true and why?