On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding love. I love what Augustine wrote,
‘Many have learned how to offer the other cheek, but do not know how to love him by whom they were struck.’
So what can we do to start loving as the Father would want? Let’s see what Jesus has to say,
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)
Jesus makes it clear that praying for people is a powerful way that we can love them. Forgiveness starts with forgiving them before God. We pray something like,
“Father, I forgive (name the person) for (name the specific things they’ve done). I pray for them that you would (pray for specific blessings)”.
This kind of prayer is Christ-like love. Jesus prayed for us when we didn’t know Him. He continues to pray for us even though we constantly fail Him. We are tempted to constrain and put boundaries on who we will love. If there was ever a moment that justified constraining love, it was during the events of Jesus’ betrayal and death. However, even from the cross, Jesus loved His enemies through prayer,
‘Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.’ (Luke 23:32-34)
RESPONSE
Praying for our ‘enemies’ is not praying for ourselves about our enemies - although this is good to do of course. Praying for our enemies is praying for them! It’s praying a blessing on people even through our pain. You might even say that the harder it is the more Christ-like and loving!
Silent prayer is a good way to learn to pray for our ‘enemies’. Sit in silence for some time. Your mind will wander to the people and circumstances that are of concern to you. Notice who or what and why you are drawn to the thought you are having. Express to God why this person or circumstance is of concern to you. Express your forgiveness, need for help, confession that you are failing to trust…
COMMUNITY GROUP STUDY - LOVE WITHOUT BOUNDS
Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
Suggested opener/Ice-breaker
When have you ever received undeserved love in your life?
Recap of Sunday's message - please share in your group
On Sunday we continued with our series on discipleship from The Sermon on the Mount. This week we are looking at Jesus’ teaching regarding love.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)