Sermon on the Mount Part 6: Loving the Unlovable

Sermon on the Mount

Part 6: Loving the Unlovable

Matthew 5:43-48

“Many have learned to offer the other cheek, but do not know how to love him by whom they were struck.” — Augustine

God wants us to those who may seem to us.

Love is a characteristic of a Christ-follower.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35

43 “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. Matthew 5:43-48

18 “‘Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself… Leviticus 19:18

Christ-followers are to love people of .

What does hate do to us?

• Hatred creates a .
• Hatred constricts a .
• Hatred causes a bitter, .

44 But I tell you, love your enemies… Matthew 5:44a

God loves all people, though He may not love .

45 …He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. Matthew 5:45b

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, Romans 3:23.

8 God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8

8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— Ephesians 2:8

9 The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9

9 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9

Love everyone with the same that God has shown you!

43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:43-44

When we love people who curse us, hate us, use us, and even persecute us, we from those who are not yet Believers.

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? Matthew 5:46-47

If you really want to love the unlovable in your life, .

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Matthew 5:44

When you pray for the unlovable people in your life, it changes you…

• Praying for others changes the way you .
• Praying for others changes the way you .
• Praying for others changes the way you .
• Praying for others changes you into a .

48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48