Love Toward Enemies

Sermon 23 in Series

Luke 6:27-36

[27] “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. [29] To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. [30] Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. [31] And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

[32] “If you love those who love you, what benefit 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 benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. [34] And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. [35] But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. [36] Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

DEEP SHEET: Sermon Study Questions
1.   How do joy and love come together in these opening sections of Jesus’ teaching? What does joyful love look like when facing persecution?
2.   How is our love for enemies neither passive nor merely a feeling? How is Jesus the perfect example?
3.   What three observations help us better interpret vv. 29-30? What does it mean to live an open-handed life, especially in relation to our enemies?
4.   How is loving enemies fundamental to Christian ethics? What impact does it have on the world around us?
5.   What are some traps that you have seen Christians fall into when it comes to not loving enemies? How do we practically hold together speaking truth and loving enemies in an increasing antagonistic culture?
6.   In what ways do these verses motivate us by pointing to heaven? How do they humble us and encourage us to depend on God?

References: Romans 12:9-21 (corporate reading); Matthew 5:38-48; Exodus 23:4-5; Luke 23:34; Acts 7:60; 1 Peter 3:9; Proverbs 24:29; John 18:23; 2 Thessalonians 3:10; Matthew 7:12; Romans 5:8.