Say What? Love Who?

Here are some questions to help you process this message and apply it to your life:

1. What is your favourite movie genre? (action, romance, fantasy) Why? What is it you like about them?

2. We heard how we have a natural tendency to escalate violence. Why do you think that is? How do you tend to respond when you experience some kind of injustice (falsely accused, betrayed etc) or you see injustice happening in the world (war, corrupt governments taking advantage of people etc)?

3. “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person…” (Matthew 5:38-39) 

What thoughts come to mind when you hear/read Jesus’ teaching? What did Jesus mean exactly? Are we to be doormats and never fight back or stand up for what is right? As followers of Jesus, what would standing up for ourselves or others look like?

4. “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” (Matthew 5:39-41)

What principle do you think Jesus is trying to teach in these verses? How would these different scenarios show up in real life now?

5. “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…” (Matthew 5:43-44)

St. Augustine said: “Many have learned how to offer the other cheek, but do not know how to love him by whom they are struck.”

Who is someone that you find hard to love? What would you have to do in order to begin praying for them?

6. “Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:48) 

Do you find those words encouraging or crushing? Why? Of course, we by ourselves will never be perfect. We are only made perfect by what Jesus accomplished through his death and resurrection. As a follower of Jesus, when God looks at you he sees Jesus - the perfect sacrifice.

This week set aside some time to reflect on how (in contrast to Liam Neeson who said, “I will look for you, I will find you and I will kill you”), Jesus said, “I will look for you, I will find you and I will die for you.”