Summary of the Passage (Matthew 5:38-48):

The point that Jesus is driving home in all these verses can be summed up by verse 44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus demonstrates a great humility that comes from following Him alone when He commands us to not retaliate when our enemies treat us poorly because He is slow to anger when people treat Him poorly. If we only tolerate our enemies instead of loving them or only loving people who are easy to love, then we are no different than those who do not know Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Verse 38-42: Why are we Inclined to Retaliate?

- What about Jesus’ command to not retaliate is shocking and hard for us? Do you find yourself being more reactive or opting to let your anger against someone fester silently?

2. Verses 43-45: Children of our Father

- How does loving our enemies make us more like sons and daughters of God? How can we see God’s character in the command that He has for us in verse 44?

3. Verses 46-47: Purpose

- God doesn’t want us to look like the rest of the world in the way we love—why? What is the point of us being set apart for Christ, in loving our enemies and in life in general?

4. Application Question

- Identify someone in your life who is hard for you to love and spend a few minutes praying