Sermon On The Mount | Love Your Enemies

Radiant Church Jackson

Matthew 5:43-48
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 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. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

The Destruction of Hate:

1. Hate reduces people to objects unworthy of our love.

2. Hate breeds negative emotions and pollutes our soul.

1 John 2:11
But anyone who hates a brother or sister is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness. They do not know where they are going, because the darkness has blinded them.

The Power of Love:

1. Love breaks the cycle of revenge.

Leviticus 19:18
‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. (Slide 6)

2. Love extends forgiveness to our enemy.

Luke 23:34
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

3. Love opens the door toward reconciliation.

Romans 12:20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

How To Love Our Enemy:

1. Be kind and gracious to those who are at odds with you.
2. Is there something practical you can do for them?
3. Sincerely pray for them.