Forgiveness Leads to Love

Matthew 5:43-48

In this passage, Jesus continues to illustrate how God’s kingdom is different from our earthly world.  In God’s kingdom, we are to love our enemies like we love our family, friends, and ourselves.  This is opposite of what the world would have us do.  Instead of hate and fear, we are to show love and kindness.  Love cannot co-exist with anger and hate so we must forgive our enemies to show love.  If we do this, then, we are like our heavenly Father.

Questions for further thought:
1. When have you not shown love to an “enemy”?  Why?
2. When have you shown love to an “enemy”?  What was the result?

​Challenge: Ask God to show you who to show love to today and how to love that person.