Loving when it hurts
Decalogue and the Sermon on the Mount • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 8 viewsMany people in the Body of Christ carry wounds from painful relationships, mistreatment, betrayal, emotional or spiritual abuse, or persecution for righteousness. Jesus speaks directly into these wounds: Matthew 5:10 shows the pain of righteousness; Matthew 5:43–48 the pain of loving those who hurt us.
Notes
Transcript
Matthew 5:10 ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Matthew 5:43–48 ““You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is 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. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
1. When righteousness hurts
1. When righteousness hurts
Matthew 5:10–12 ““Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. “Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Pain for doing good is part of our calling.
God honors and sees the suffering of the righteous.
Hurt draws us closer to Christ (theirs is the Kingdom of God).
2. When Love hurts - Matthew 5:43-48
2. When Love hurts - Matthew 5:43-48
Love feels unfair when directed toward enemies.
God’s love is universal—ours must mirror His. God’s love sacrificially seeks the good of the underserving
Love that costs is love that matures us.
3. How to love when it hurts
3. How to love when it hurts
What it looks like to love a persecutor/abuser:
What it looks like to love a persecutor/abuser:
Pray for their repentance and salvation.
Wish spiritual good, not harm.
Release revenge.
Maintain dignity and truth.
What loving an persecutor/abuser does not look like:
What loving an persecutor/abuser does not look like:
Enabling abuse; Biblical love is not blind trust
Returning to vulnerability - Biblical forgiveness is not immediate reconciliation.
Pretending no wrong was done
What forgiveness looks like
What forgiveness looks like
Forgiveness is releasing the offender to God.
It is removing bitterness and choosing peace.
Forgiveness is NOT - trusting again immediately, forgetting, or tolerating harm.
4. Practical Biblical precautions for safety:
4. Practical Biblical precautions for safety:
Establish strong boundaries.
Ensure safe, structured communication.
Separate yourself when patterns do not change.
Involve the mature counsel wisely.
Pursue healing for your soul.
5. Why God calls us to love when it hurts:
5. Why God calls us to love when it hurts:
Love breaks cycles without surrendering to abuse.
Forgiveness frees the victim.
Love reflects Christ.
Love heals.
God is near to the brokenhearted.
Conclusion
Conclusion
“Loving when it hurts” is not becoming a doormat. It is loving without hatred, forgiving without enabling, and releasing without returning to danger. This is the love that reflects the Father and heals His children.
