1. Recon cile Take Responsibility Control Your Tongue Forgive Self-control Love Your Enemy Bearing Up Under Persecution Like Jesus Putting God First in Everything

3. 43 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 sons 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 brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. 44 45 46 47 48 Mathew 5:43-48 NIV Love Your Enemy

4. How does praying for your enemies make us like God? What does the illustration about the sun and the rain demonstrate? What does “perfect” mean in the explanation of this command? Mathew 5:43-48 NIV Love Your Enemy

5. 17 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," F81 says the Lord. 20 On the contrary: "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.“ 18 19 F81 20 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. 21 Romans 12:17-21 NIV

6. Love Your Enemy What are the action steps the Paul gave? How does each step demonstrate God’s character? What is so hard about trusting God to deal with our enemies? What is God’s purpose for us to love our enemies? Romans 12:17-21 NIV

7. Love Your Enemy 8 8 Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 9 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV

8. Love Your Enemy How does humility protect you from anger with an enemy? How does this admonition prove that believers are not perfect? What does it mean to repay evil with a blessing “because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing”? 1 Peter 3:8-9 NIV