7 Commandments of Jesus - Pt. 7

Matthew 5:43–45 NKJV

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

Last week we worked through Jesus’ command to love one another

John 13:34–35 NKJV

34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

Jesus didn’t tell us to only love the lovely - He told us to love one another - this includes our enemies.

Love & Live Differently

Luke 6:32–36 NKJV

32 “But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful.

It takes the Fruit of the Spirit to live & love differently than the rest of the world is able.

Galatians 5:22–24 NKJV

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

Let’s not just have the Fruit of the Spirit, let’s live from them to overcome our fleshly passions & desires.

We cannot have the Fruit of the Spirit without first having the Holy Spirit.

We do not have the Holy Spirit living in us if we haven’t asked God for the gift of the Holy Spirit and then received Him into our life.

Romans 12:18 NKJV

18 If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.

Living like this is supernatural!

No one has the power to make you be mean & cruel or to return evil for evil!

Sometimes people will choose to not be peaceable with you, but let that be their choice & from their end alone.

We must choose to live by, & cultivate, the Fruit of the Spirit.

Fruit doesn’t grow well without purposeful investment of time and attention & being in the right environment!

Agape-Love Changes Things:

Colossians 1:21–22 NKJV

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight—

We can change how we see.

We are not given the ministry of forgiveness - We are given the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor 5:18)

Reconciliation causes us to see others as holy, blameless, and above reproach.

Reconciliation G2643. - exchange (fig. adjustment), i.e. restoration to (the divine) favor:—

Proverbs 10:12 NKJV

12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.

1 Peter 4:8 NKJV

8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.”

Fervent (def.) - Intentionally extended

Romans 5:8 NKJV

8 But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

We can tell if we have love for others by our willingness to serve them freely!

Jesus served us with His life.

Generate Compassion:

Luke 23:34 NKJV

34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His garments and cast lots.

I don’t think any of us is under the impression that the Roman Soldiers and Jewish religious leaders didn’t know what they were doing to Jesus - murdering an innocent man!

Jesus had compassion on those murdering Him & causing Him pain because He could see that though they knew what they were doing, they did it ignorantly.

They didn’t realize:

The influences they were under spiritually.

Their prejudices and lack of understanding.

Their own personal hurts and fears.

Sometimes our greatest ally in generating compassion is a great story

Hurt people hurt people but healed people heal people. - Unknown

Oftentimes

People act or respond out of their hurt without truly understanding why they are doing what they are doing - it is a nearly autonomic response.

If we can create a story in our heart & mind that generates compassion in us for someone else’s hurt-based actions, we can begin to love even our enemies.

Just One Thing:

Do whatever it takes to obey Jesus’ commandment to love one another - including your enemies!

Discussion Questions:

What two things are terrible when separate but great when you put them together?

What are your thoughts feelings and reactions to Jesus’ commandment to love your enemies? Take a little time and go a bit deeper than just your initial thoughts, etc - dig a little into the why.

Please read 2 Corinthians 5:8 & Colossians 1:21-22 and share about how these scriptures about reconciliation (def. - returning to favor) impact you and what they “say” to you.

Is there anyone who you cannot bring yourself to serve? If not, how did you practically come to that place? If yes, pray with your group for the wisdom and grace (God’s divine ability) to love your enemies.