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10-25-26
Title: Reflection
Series: The Way of Discipleship
Isaiah 55:8-9
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Matthew 5:38-48
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 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.
Proverbs 20:22
22 Do not say, “I’ll pay you back for this wrong!” Wait for the Lord, and he will avenge you.
Romans 12:17-21
17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” 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.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
1. God calls disciples to love like He loves.
2. Love responds with a refusal to retaliate.
3. Loving our enemies changes us.
Small Group Questions
SHARE
What was the best/worst prank ever played on you? OR....what is the best/worst prank you ever played on someone else? Did it stop with the prank or did it escalate?
GOD THOUGHTS
Read Isaiah 55:8-9...Q: What contrast does God make between His thoughts and ways and ours? Where are you tempted to insist on your own way rather than trust God’s wisdom? What does the cross show us about God’s way? How does Jesus’ willingness to give Himself challenge a win-at-all-costs mindset?
LEAVING ROOM
Read Matthew 5:38-48...According to scripture, what was the original intended principle of “Eye for an eye?” How can a boundary intended to limit punishment become, in practice, a license for revenge? Why do we have an instinct to respond disproportionately? What response does Jesus teach when someone strikes or insults you? How might refusing retaliation challenge shame or an
attempt to control you? How could a freely chosen act of generosity resist another person’s attempt to demean or control you?
HIS WAY
Read Proverbs 20:22....Q: What does the text instruct us TO DO? What is the difference between entrusting justice to God and denying that wrongdoing matters?
LOVE PRAY OVERCOME
Why might God’s way of responding to enemies seem so different from the world’s instinct to win or get even? Why does love become distinctive when it is not dependent on the other person’s response? How could a Christlike response make God’s different way visible to others?
PRAYER
Pray: For one another to love our enemies....just like Jesus loves us!
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