Loving Your Enemies | Sermon on the Mount Week 4

Jesus shared a great deal during the Sermon on the Mount and much of what he shared was incredibly counter-cultural and even radical. High on that list is his command to love our enemies. Bill Clark shares the ramifications of this command to love and pray for those who would do us harm.

Loving Your Enemies

Sermon on the Mount | Week 4

June 17, 2018 | Bill Clark

Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV)

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 someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Law of LOVE

Matthew 5:39 (NIV)

If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also

Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV)

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. 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.

Frenemies

a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry

2 Timothy 4:14 (NIV)

Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done.

Matthew 5:48 (NIV)

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect