Jesus loves to love our enemies. We should, too.

Notes And Next Steps

Matthew 5:38-48 + Part 4 of the series “The Savior's Sermon"

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 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 …” (Matthew 5:38-42)

We should oppose evil not by destroying the evildoer but by overcoming evil with good (Romans 12:18ff).

How you distort other people is a symptom of something very wrong in your own heart.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.” (Matthew 5:44-45)

“If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:46-48)

“Love is …”

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

Scan and read the list of 23 ways to love. Select one or two for each of the following: 

1. 1. This is new to me. 
   2. I want to work on this. 
   3. This reminds of _____. 
   4. This is taught in the Bible here: _______. 
   5. Our group should pray about this.

Discussion Questions

1. Scan and read the list of 23 ways to love. Select one or two for each of the following: 

1. 1. This is new to me. 
   2. I want to work on this. 
   3. This reminds of _____. 
   4. This is taught in the Bible here: _______. 
   5. Our group should pray about this.
2. What are the 4 analogies about forgiveness that Jesus describes in Matthew 5:38-42? Which do you think teaches most convincingly about forgiveness?
3. Recall the married couple coming for pastoral counseling. Based on this message, what are 3 holy, healthy quotes that they’ll say during counseling if they believe Jesus’ words?
4. Pray about a person whose relationship with you is stressed, or even broken. What’s a first step you could take to reconcile? Reading Romans 12:9-21 may help.