In what ways can loving enemies reflect God's love for us? Setting the Scene “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” (Matthew 5:44) What Jesus Tells Us to Do • Love, not just tolerate, our enemies • Pray for them—actively bring them before the Father • Treat them the way we wish to be treated (see Luke 6:31) Why This Mirrors God’s Heart • God loved us when we were His enemies (Romans 5:8,10) • He “is kind to the ungrateful and wicked” (Luke 6:35) • Showing mercy highlights that we are “sons of [our] Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:45) Scriptural Snapshots of God Loving His Enemies • John 3:16—His gift of the Son came while the world was still rebellious • Luke 23:34—Jesus prays, “Father, forgive them,” as soldiers nail Him to the cross • 2 Peter 3:9—God’s patience delays judgment so more can repent Practical Ways Our Love Reflects His Love • Forgiving wrongs the way Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32) • Offering tangible help—food, friendship, service—to those who oppose us (Romans 12:20) • Speaking blessing instead of insult (1 Peter 3:9) • Refusing retaliation and entrusting justice to God (Romans 12:19) The Fruit That Follows • Evil is overcome with good (Romans 12:21) • Hearts soften; enemies may become family in Christ (Acts 9:17) • The watching world sees a living picture of the gospel (John 13:35) • We grow into Christlike maturity, displaying “love, joy, peace, patience” (Galatians 5:22) When we love those who least deserve it, we hold up a mirror to the astonishing love God first showed us. |
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