on May 10, 2025
Sermon: Matthew 5:43-48 - Why Must We Love Our Enemies?
Summary
In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus calls us to a radical kind of love—one that extends even to our enemies. This teaching is not just a lofty ideal, but a practical command that challenges the very core of our human instincts. While it’s natural to love those who love us, Jesus asks us to go further, to love those who have hurt us, persecuted us, or even those who have been our historical or personal adversaries. This is not about ignoring pain or pretending that injustice doesn’t exist, but about choosing a higher way—the way of the Father, who gives sun and rain to both the just and the unjust.
Throughout history, and even in our own communities, we see how easy it is to become tribal, to divide ourselves along lines of ethnicity, denomination, or past wounds. The world encourages us to find our tribe and exclude others, but God’s heart is for unity, reconciliation, and healing. The story of Joseph and his brothers is a powerful example: Joseph had every right to seek retribution, but instead, he chose forgiveness and restoration. In the same way, Jesus forgave us before we ever repented or even recognized our need for forgiveness.
This call to love our enemies is not just for individuals, but for entire communities and nations. Imagine what could happen if historical enemies—like Korea, Japan, and China—were united not by politics or economics, but by the love and grace of Christ. The power of forgiveness and unity could unleash a spiritual revival that would impact the world. But it starts with each of us, refusing to hold onto bitterness, refusing to let the offenses of the past define our future, and choosing to love as God loves.
To love our enemies is to reflect the very character of God. It is to be children of our Father in heaven, who is perfect in love. This is not an easy path, but it is the way of the cross, the way of true discipleship, and the way that brings the kingdom of God to earth.
Key Takeaways
- True discipleship means moving beyond “chair ministry”—simply occupying a seat—and embracing our calling as God’s set-apart people. We are not just to receive, but to be filled with God’s Spirit, becoming active participants in His kingdom, sharing His love with those around us, and living out the gospel in tangible ways. [02:05]
- The command to love our enemies is not theoretical; it confronts the deepest wounds and injustices we have experienced. Jesus does not ask us to ignore our pain, but to choose a higher way—praying for those who persecute us and releasing forgiveness, even when it feels impossible. This is how we become true children of our Father in heaven. [05:38]
- Sectarianism and tribalism are natural human tendencies, but they are contrary to the heart of God. The world divides, but God unites; the world holds grudges, but God brings reconciliation. When we refuse to take up the offense of others and instead pursue humility and healing, we become agents of God’s unity in a divided world. [11:46]
- Forgiveness is not dependent on the repentance of the other person. Just as Jesus forgave us before we ever turned to Him, we are called to release forgiveness even when it is undeserved. This act of grace breaks the cycle of bitterness and opens the door for true restoration and new beginnings. [16:29]
- The unity and revival God desires for nations and communities begins with individuals who choose to love beyond boundaries. When we lay down our right to retribution and embrace the power of grace, we become part of God’s redemptive story—one that has the potential to transform not just our lives, but the world. [14:20]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:13] - Why Matthew Matters for Us
[02:05] - Beyond Chair Ministry: Our True Purpose
[02:35] - The Difficult Command: Love Your Enemies
[03:25] - A Real Example: Preaching Hate in Pyongyang
[04:27] - Historical Context: Hating the Romans
[05:17] - Jesus’ Radical Call: Love and Pray for Enemies
[06:11] - Becoming Children of the Father
[07:20] - The Challenge of Perfection
[08:23] - What Sets God’s People Apart
[09:51] - Modern Sectarianism and Division
[11:46] - God’s Heart: Unity and Reconciliation
[12:45] - The Power of Forgiveness in History
[14:20] - Vision for Unity: Korea, Japan, and China
[15:26] - The Example of Joseph
[16:29] - Forgiving Before Repentance
[17:32] - Loving When It’s Most Difficult
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Loving Our Enemies (Matthew 5:43-48)
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### Bible Reading
- Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
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### Observation Questions
1. According to Jesus in Matthew 5:44, what are we specifically commanded to do for our enemies?
2. What reason does Jesus give for loving our enemies in verse 45?
3. In the sermon, what example was given of a church teaching hatred towards another nation? ([03:41])
4. How does Jesus describe God’s treatment of both the just and the unjust in this passage?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus connects loving our enemies with being “children of your Father in heaven”? ([06:11])
2. The sermon mentions that loving those who love us is “natural,” but loving enemies is “radical.” What does this say about the kind of love Jesus is calling us to? ([08:23])
3. How does the story of Joseph and his brothers help us understand what forgiveness and restoration look like in practice? ([15:26])
4. The sermon talks about tribalism and division in the world and even in the church. Why do you think these tendencies are so strong, and how does God’s heart differ? ([11:46])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us to move beyond “chair ministry” and become active participants in God’s kingdom. What is one way you can step out of your comfort zone and show God’s love to someone outside your usual circle this week? ([02:05])
2. Think of a person or group who has hurt you or your community. What would it look like to pray for them and release forgiveness, even if they haven’t apologized? ([05:38])
3. Are there any areas in your life where you have held onto bitterness or taken up the offense of others? What is one step you can take toward letting go and pursuing reconciliation? ([12:14])
4. The sermon mentions that forgiveness is not dependent on the other person’s repentance. Is there someone you need to forgive, even if they haven’t asked for it? What is holding you back? ([16:29])
5. The vision was shared of unity between historical enemies (like Korea, Japan, and China) through Christ. Is there a relationship in your life, family, or community where you can be an agent of unity and healing? What would be a first step? ([14:20])
6. When was the last time you forgave someone who did not deserve to be forgiven? How did it feel, and what was the result? ([17:32])
7. Jesus calls us to be “perfect” as our Father is perfect. In the context of this passage, what do you think that means for your daily life and relationships? ([07:20])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God for the strength to love as He loves, to forgive as He forgives, and to be agents of unity and healing in a divided world.
Devotional
Day 1: Love Your Enemies as Jesus Commands
Jesus calls His followers to a radical love that extends even to their enemies, not just to those who are easy to love. This teaching goes beyond cultural norms and personal comfort, challenging believers to pray for those who persecute them and to respond to hurt with grace rather than retaliation. Such love is not natural or easy, especially when the wounds are deep or the offenses are personal, but it is the distinguishing mark of those who belong to God. By loving our enemies, we reflect the heart of the Father and participate in the redemptive work He is doing in the world. [05:38]
Matthew 5:43-44 (ESV)
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Reflection: Who is someone you consider an “enemy” or who has hurt you deeply? What is one practical way you can pray for or show love to them this week?
Day 2: Reflecting the Father’s Character
God’s love is impartial and generous, extending to both the just and the unjust, the good and the evil. As children of God, we are called to mirror this same character, not limiting our kindness to those who treat us well but extending it to all, regardless of their actions toward us. This kind of love sets believers apart from the world and demonstrates the transformative power of God’s Spirit at work within us. Striving for this perfection is not about flawless performance but about growing in the likeness of our heavenly Father, who loves without partiality. [07:20]
Matthew 5:45, 48 (ESV)
“…so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust… You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect God’s impartial love to someone outside your usual circle today?
Day 3: The Power of Forgiveness Over Division
Bitterness, unforgiveness, and holding onto offenses create division and perpetuate cycles of pain, both personally and within communities. God’s way is the way of unity, humility, and reconciliation, breaking down the walls that separate us. When we choose to forgive—even when it is undeserved—we participate in God’s healing work and open the door for restoration and peace. This is especially powerful in contexts of historical or generational hurt, where forgiveness can transform entire communities and even nations. [13:32]
Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”
Reflection: Is there a hurt or offense you’ve been holding onto that is causing division in your heart or relationships? What step can you take today toward forgiveness and unity?
Day 4: Forgiving Before Repentance
True forgiveness does not wait for the offender to repent or even acknowledge their wrongdoing. Just as Jesus forgave us before we ever turned to Him, we are called to release forgiveness from our hearts, freeing both ourselves and others from the bondage of bitterness. This kind of forgiveness is a powerful testimony of God’s grace and can lead to unexpected reconciliation and healing, even when the other person is unaware or unrepentant. [16:44]
Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive who hasn’t apologized or may never do so? How can you release them to God and walk in freedom today?
Day 5: Becoming a Light to the Nations
God’s people are called to be different—to be a light to the world by living in a way that points others to Him. This means loving beyond tribalism, sectarianism, and cultural boundaries, and seeking unity under Christ rather than division. When believers from different backgrounds and histories come together in humility and love, the world witnesses the power of the gospel to heal, restore, and bring revival. Our willingness to love, forgive, and unite can have a ripple effect far beyond our own lives, impacting nations and generations. [09:21]
Isaiah 49:6 (ESV)
“…I will make you as a light for the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth.”
Reflection: What is one way you can step outside your comfort zone to build unity and be a light in your community or across cultural boundaries this week?