Love

Love – Matt 5:43-45

                Jesus has been teaching on the principles of the Kingdom.  Now He focuses on an old Jewish proverb.  “You have heard is has been said, Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.”  This had been a focus of Old Testament morality.  Jesus then adds some further thoughts that are characteristics of a disciple of Christ.

1.  Love your enemies.  It is easy to love those who love you but real love is loving those who do not love you and want to destroy and hurt you.

2.  Bless those that curse you.  This demonstrates true agape love.

3.  Do good for those who hate you.  Practical faith is shown by what we do for others.

4.  Pray for those who use and persecute you.  You cannot hate someone you are praying for.  One time a young 

     man broke up with a young lady.  It was not an easy break up, there were very bad feelings.  The young man 

     read this passage and decided to pray for the young lady.  Before long he did not have any feelings of hatred

     and He was able to move on.

5.  These practical expressions make you realize the Father who sends rain and makes the sun shine on both the

      just  and the unjust because He is no respecter of persons.  God’s love is universal and so is His salvation.