Comments on: Love Your Enemies

By: Jon

Jon — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 16:13:21 +0000

1 corinthians 6 speaks directly to conflict between two believers or christians. What about non believers? Throughout the bible it’s pretty clear we should be examples for non believers so in that way it does make it relevant. Ask yourself this question. What’s more important, witnessing to a nonbeliever who has cheated you, or the money or item you were cheated out of?
That’s a more difficult question than I thought. Does it depend on the amount in terms of percentages? I don’t think so. Where is the line drawn? Obviously all revenge is God’s. But I don’t think that means we let people walk on us.

By: Keith Schooley

Keith Schooley — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 23:55:04 +0000

@Chris Jesus not giving us our wanted “clarification” is an excellent point. I’ve been in Bible studies where the bulk of the discussion amounted to finding limits and exceptions to the main thrust of Jesus’ message.

We always want to find legitimate reasons to stand up for ourselves. While there are abusive situations that require such an approach, I wonder if we’ve factored in the power of nonretaliation. 1 Cor 6, esp v. 7, comes to mind: “Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?” Paul’s point is that our witness is more important than whether we are wronged.

“Take up your cross and follow me.” Serious stuff.

By: Alex Woods

Alex Woods — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 12:48:26 +0000

Think of how ineffective His ministry would have been if He had given us what we wanted. What does the flesh want?

By: Chris

Chris — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 16:12:07 +0000

@ Jon. We could flesh out the clarification you made, and we’d find a lot of Biblical truth to it. There are other parts of the Bible that address what you are saying. So, I agree with it, and thank you for saying it!

However, notice that in this sermon (Matthew 5-7), Jesus doesn’t “clarify” this issue the way you and I want Him to.

I’m with you, I’m immediately thinking of all the situations that need “further clarification.”

Isn’t it interesting that Jesus doesn’t give us what we want here…?

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 15:19:20 +0000

This teaching is a very tough pill to swallow. Our flesh wants vengence, justice, and punishment for people who tear us down. But all of that thinking is just poison to our lives. But I believe this is gotta be the hardest addiction to give up. Wanting to hand out judgement for what someone has done to you is just such a natural feeling.

I do want you to clarify though. This is not to say that you should let people walk all over you. And just keep inviting them to step on you. sometime the most loving thing you can do is to ignore them.