Rev. Spencer Shaw unpacks the Sermon on the Plain from Luke 6, emphasizing the radical commands of Jesus to love our enemies, do good to those who hate us, bless those who curse us, and pray for those who mistreat us. While these teachings are widely recognized, they are among the hardest to live out. Shaw highlights how Jesus' words are not just idealistic but depict the reality of God’s kingdom, where love replaces retaliation and mercy overcomes hatred. Drawing on the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers, he shows that only God’s grace can transform our hearts to truly live this way. He concludes by encouraging believers to start with a simple prayer for God’s help in softening their hearts, leading to action that reflects the love of Christ.

Concise Outline of "When Living the Gospel is Hard"

Introduction:

• Jesus' Sermon on the Plain contains some of His most well-known yet most difficult teachings.
• The challenge: We know these words, but do we truly live them out?

I. Jesus' Radical Commands

1. Familiar Yet Difficult Words
   • "Love your enemies."
   • "Do good to those who hate you."
   • "Bless those who curse you."
   • "Pray for those who mistreat you."
2. A Non-Negotiable Call to Action
   • Jesus does not offer these as optional suggestions or when convenient—He commands them.
   • He paints a picture of what it looks like when God reigns.

II. The Challenge of Loving Our Enemies

1. Misunderstanding Jesus' Teaching
   • Some think "loving enemies" is unrealistic in today’s world.
   • Jesus is not calling for naivety but for a radical, countercultural way of living.
2. Aikido and Absorbing Aggression
   • Rev. Shaw shares a martial arts analogy (Aikido) to illustrate how Jesus' nonviolence absorbs hostility and redirects it toward transformation.
   • Practical example: Responding to insult with a blessing instead of retaliation.

III. The Role of Grace in Transforming Our Hearts

1. The Story of Joseph and His Brothers
   • Joseph was betrayed, sold into slavery, and had every reason to retaliate.
   • Instead, he saw God’s greater purpose and responded with forgiveness and grace.
2. The Process of Heart Transformation
   • We can’t love our enemies on our own.
   • The Bible describes God changing hearts of stone into hearts of flesh.
   • This transformation is ongoing—we are changed, are being changed, and will be changed.

IV. A Practical Starting Point

1. A Simple Yet Powerful Prayer:
   • “Lord, I don’t know how to love my enemy, but help me start.”
   • God honors even the smallest willingness to be transformed.
2. Flipping the Script on Hate
   • Jesus calls us to not return evil for evil but to reflect the love of the Father.
   • Through His love, poured out on us, we can break the cycle of hatred.

Conclusion:

• Loving enemies is not easy—but God makes it possible through His Spirit.
• We are called to conquer hatred with love, just as Jesus did for us.
• "Praise be to God, who makes the impossible possible!"