How does Jesus trasform our relationships with our “enemies?”
Matthew 5:38-42
You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Key Idea 1:
Rather than mirroring our enemies’ harshness, Jesus encourages his followers to be generous in showing
Matthew 5:43-48
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Key Idea 2:
Rather than treating people according to what makes sense in a fallen world, Jesus commands his followers to relate to
Application 1:
Who is one person who has wronged you that you will commit to praying for, that they would come to know and experience God’s love?
Application 2. What is one proactive step you can take to show this person the generous love of Christ through an action of your own?