Romans 12:9-21
- Our natural inclination is to retaliate when attacked. The body's physiological "fight or flight" response is an automatic defense mechanism. Regardless, we maintain control over our actions, and are accountable for them.
- "Bless" is derived from the Greek word "eulogeus," meaning "to speak well of, praise, give thanks." When God blesses us, He grants favor and confers happiness upon us.
Luke 6:27-38
- "Love" is based upon "agape," meaning "undefeatable benevolence, unconditional goodwill, always seeks highest good of others, no matter what they do, gives freely without asking anything in return, does not consider the worth of its object." Agape = love by choice, act of the will.
- "Enemy" means "an adversary or foe," and refers to someone who is purposefully belligerent to you, not merely indifferent.
- Verse 35 touches upon the qualities of the Father as reflected through us when we act as His children, and reveals more of His own attitudes toward us. He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked, and it is this kindness that "is intended to turn you from your sin.” (Romans 2:4)
- We often think of verse 38 in terms of finances, but in this context, it is applicable to the love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness we give to others.
Romans 5:1-11
- Always remember that our standing in Christ is an "undeserved privilege," one He has also extended to others.
- God has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love, which illustrates just "how dearly God loves us," a love that sent Christ to His death on our behalf, making us right with Him.
- We were once God's enemies, but have now become friends of God. Who, then, can really be considered OUR enemy?
Colossians 1:3-23
- The Holy Spirit gives us love for others.
- This passage beautifully elaborates upon the reconciliation that God worked through Jesus' shed blood while we were still His enemies.
Philippians 2:1-11
- Our attitude must be the same that Jesus had, as articulated in verses 6-8. "… no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)
Luke 23:34
- This attitude is expressed in Jesus’ words and actions upon the cross.
- The Greek word for forgiveness means "to do a favor, show kindness unconditionally, give freely," and is based on the same root as "charis" (grace), "the free and unmerited favor or beneficence of God"
Matthew 6:12-15
- We know the Lord's prayer by heart…
Matthew 18:21-35
- In the parable of the cancelled debt, it is important to note that when the servant pleaded for an extension, the king took pity on him and forgave him the entirety of his debt.
- Our debt was cancelled before we even recognized and acknowledged that we owed it. Pay it forward.
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