Responding to Enemies with God's Mercy

BIG IDEA God gave us mercy so we should give mercy too!

Question How can we respond to enemies the way God desires?

Jesus Showed Kindness to Enemies Jesus deeply cared for their spiritual state “Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you were not willing.” Matthew 23:37

Jesus Gave His Enemies a Truthful Diagnosis “Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of the bones of the dead and everything unclean.” Matthew 23:27 “You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?” Matthew 23:33

“Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth…” 2 Timothy 2:25 “...and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” 2 Timothy 2:26 Better is open rebuke than hidden love. Proverbs 27:5

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34a Jesus Prayed That His Enemies be Blessed

“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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.” Matthew 5:44-45 Being Kind to Enemies is the Family Way

Responding to Enemies with God's Mercy