Jesus commands us to love our enemies, but what does that actually mean? In this message from Matthew 5:43–48, we explore how agape love calls us to respond to opposition—not with retaliation or passivity, but with the active, Christlike love that transforms hearts.

IMPACT CARD

Reading: Matthew 5:43-48

Discussion Questions:

1) Read Matthew 5:43–48 together. What do you think Jesus means by “love your enemies”? How does understanding the Greek word agape change how you interpret this command?

2) The sermon mentioned that “an enemy is anyone who is against you in heart or action.” When you think about that definition, who comes to mind? Without naming names aloud, how have you typically responded — retaliation, doormat, or something else?

3) The sermon said, “If you want to know where you are in your spiritual maturity, it’s directly correlated with how you love the people you consider your enemy.” How does that challenge your understanding of what it means to grow as a disciple of Jesus?

4) Romans 5:8–10 says that while we were still God’s enemies, Christ died for us. How does remembering that truth shape the way you see and treat the people who have hurt or opposed you?