MY NEXT STEP TODAY IS:

I need to receive Jesus Christ as my personal Savior for the first time.
https://thebridgevenice.churchcenter.com/people/forms/500390

I need to be baptized.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/baptism

I need to attend Starting Point.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/starting-point

I need to join a serve team.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/serve

I need to join a small group.
https://www.thebridgevenice.com/bridge-groups

Dig Deeper:
1. Without saying any names out loud, think of a person who you would define as “difficult.” Why causes you to define them as such?
2. Does the word “love” lose value in our culture? If so, why? How is “agape” love (love that gives, cares, sacrifices) different than when we use love elsewhere?
3. Do you see radical love in our culture often? What other “radical” expressions do you see in our culture?
4. Read Matthew 5:38-39. What is Jesus referring to here? Is it actual physical aggression?
5. What does it mean for you to “not resist an evil person”? How easy is it for you to apply this in your daily life?
6. How is “turning the other cheek” different than being passive when it comes to sin? When are we to “turn the other cheek”?
7. Read Matthew 5:40-42. How is generosity tied to radical love? Can you love someone and not be generous to them?
8. In Matthew 5:42, we are called to “give to the one who asks you.” Are there parameters that guide how and to whom we give? If so, how do you balance discernment and a generous spirit in how you give?
9. How, what and to whom can you give generously this week?
10. Share a story of someone who has showed you radical generosity.
11. Read Matthew 5:43. Why does Jesus keep saying “you have heard it was said”? Why do you think he keeps referencing that? What does he want his audience to hear?
12. Read Matthew 5:44-45. What is Jesus asking us to do? What is a byproduct of these actions?
13. What “makes” someone a “child of God”? What do these verses say that children of God “do” and why are they to do these things?
14. Why do you think Jesus talks about sunlight and rain in the middle of these verses? What does this illustration have to do with loving our enemies?
15. Describe a time if your life when praying for someone who has offended you or hurt you change both you and the circumstances you were in?
16. Read Matthew 5:46-47. Why is it easy to love someone like you? Why is it difficult to love someone who isn’t like you?
17. Read Matthew 5:48. How can we be perfect? What does Christian maturity look like?
18. What does verse 48 mean to you personally? How would you explain this to someone who is considering following Jesus?
19. Read Romans 5:8-11. Who does God love? How does He express His love?
20. What is one take away from this sermon that you can intentionally live out this week? Share with others what that is and when you plan to do it!

Live It Out:

Loving our enemies is to treat others as Jesus has treated them. Identify one person you would consider an “enemy.” Then, live out Matthew 5:38-48 by showing that person radical love. Use the steps below to help you live it out.

1. Radical love serves sacrificially. What is one way you can sacrificially serve this person this week?
2. Radical love prays for enemies. Set aside a time each day this week to specifically pray for this person. When praying, ask God to change your heart so that you can pray wholeheartedly.
3. Radical love reveals we are God’s children. This week, what is one way you can you show Christ-like love to the person you see as your enemy?
4. Only God can help you love your enemies. Throughout it all, rely on God to grow and mature you in ways where you can show His love and forgiveness. Spend time with God this week, through prayer and time in His Word.

Reading Plan:
Monday: Matthew 5:38-39
Tuesday: Matthew 5:40-42
Wednesday: Matthew 5:43-45
Thursday: Matthew 5:46-48
Friday: Leviticus 19:18, 1 Peter 3:9
Saturday: Romans 5:8-11