Matthew 5: 43-48

Love for Enemies

1. Jesus notes that is has been said to "Love your neighbor, but hate your enemy."

Define what an "enemy" is.

-Is there a difference between an enemy and someone that you just don't get along with?

-If someone's idiosyncrasies get under your skin, does that make him or her your enemy?

-Do you think YOU are someone's enemy?

2. Jesus calls us to pray for those that persecute you.

-What is our natural reaction to those that persecute us? (Review Matthew 5: 38-42)

-How is prayer effective during times of persecution?

*

Some say that we are to love our enemies, but that doesn't mean that we need to like them.

-Is this is a Biblically supported view?

3. Jesus notes that God "causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

-In your opinion, is this fair?

-What does this consistency towards His created beings, say about God's Character?

-If you were God, how would you respond to your enemies? 

4. Read v 47

-Do you find that you greet only your brothers and ignore others?

-Why does Jesus compare this behavior to pagans?

5. Jesus sets the expectation to "Be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect."

-What is your first reaction to this statement? What does this even looks like?

-Why does Jesus set the standard so high?

-Would it have been easier for you to swallow if Christ had said instead: "At the very least, be friendly, as your heavenly Father is friendly...." or "I know everything I am saying is tough, just do the best that you can."

Further discussion topic:

* Even while on the cross, Jesus prayed for those that persecuted Him. Discuss this example. 

Teacher: Paul Sabino

Matthew 5: 43-48