“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”

LEARNING TO LOVE: PART 3
“LOVE YOUR ENEMIES”
Luke 6:27-41

I. Be Merciful, Just as your Heavenly Father is merciful
a. It is hard enough to love our neighbor, but Jesus wants us to love our enemies as well…why?
b. Loving our enemies makes us more like God which brings his glory and honor.
i. Romans 5:8-10- But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God's wrath through him! For if, when we were God's enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!
c. As Christians, while we are regarded as enemies by some, we should regard no one as an enemy because everyone can be redeemed.
i. John 15- 18"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. 20Remember the words I spoke to you: 'No servant is greater than his master.'[b] If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.
ii. Romans 12:18- If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
d. Consider the example of the relationship between Judas and Jesus
i. Jesus knew Judas was going to betray him and still he gave Judas a seat at the table and the opportunity to follow him.
ii. John 13:1-17- Jesus served the disciples even though two of the twelve would deny him.
iii. The love that Jesus showed was not dependent upon the actions of other but because of the Father…His identity was established by the Father
1. 3Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist.
2. 1 John 4:16- And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.
3. Romans 12:2- Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
II. How do we love our enemies?
a. The goal of loving our enemies is to transform the situation; rather than conforming to it.
i. John 3:16- 16"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son,[f] that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
b. Do good to your enemies by:
i. Bless those who curse us- What we say?
1. James 3- 9With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.
ii. Pray for those who abuse us- What we think about them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13- 6Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.
2. Luke 23:34- Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing."
iii. Turn the other cheek- What we allow them to do to us?
1. Stop the cycle- Violence is a cycle
2. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not easily angered
iv. Serve them! - What we do to them?
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love is not self-seeking
2. 1 John 3:18- Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth.
3. Proverbs 25:21- 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
v. Be merciful- Make the choice to forgive, even before the offense is made—that is what God did for us!
1. 1 Corinthians 13:5- Love keeps no records of wrongs
c. Resolve to know nothing but Christ!
i. 1 Corinthians 2- 2For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified…16But we have the mind of Christ.
ii. Philippians 4- 8Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
iii. Philippians 4- 7And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.