Matthew 5:43 - Forerunner Commentary

Matthew 5:43

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Articles, Bible studies, and sermons that contain Matthew 5:43:

Matthew 5:43-48
Excerpted from: Love's Emotional Dimension

Why does this happen? Because the love of God has been poured in our hearts—this self-sacrificing, self-giving, generous, kind, and concerned will to do things for the well-being and benefit of others, beginning with God.

This love that God has shed abroad in our hearts can be so strong that we can love our enemies because we now see them from a different perspective. We begin to look on them the same way God does.

I gave these definitions here for a reason. Because God says here, it is a command that we have to love our enemies. You cannot do that on emotion. The word that he used here for love is agape. The agape love is one in which the will—the mind—dominates, not the heart, not the emotions, because if we followed what would be natural in dealing with our enemy, there would be feelings of irritation, anger, and antagonism. We would want to strike out against that person, we would want to retaliate.

Notice he says here, in verse 44, “Do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” This is often the first step towards getting one's will under control—to pray for the person. Go into the presence of God and pray for them, and out of that fellowship hopefully will come the right attitude toward the other person. That will help to turn our mind back toward the right feelings for that person.

Matthew 5:43-44
Excerpted from: Government (Part Four)

You know how the feelings are: "I'm going to get even. I'm going to get the better of him." But Jesus said, "No. Be so generous and sacrificing that you will bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you." Now, look at this qualification.

Articles

Essays on Bible Study
Living By Faith and God's Grace (Part Two)
Out of the Abundance of Our Prayers
The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness
The Fruit of the Spirit: Patience
The Sixth Commandment (Part One) (1997)

Bible Studies

Basic Doctrines: Going On to Perfection
Love
The Sixth Commandment

Essays

The Absence of Love
The Jewish Testament?

Sermons

Living by Faith: God's Grace (Part 4)
Lamentations (Part Eight; 1989)
Acts (Part Twenty-Four)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Themes of I Corinthians (Part 6)
Sin And Overcoming (Part 1): If Anyone Sins!
Following God Through a Spiritual Wilderness
Love Thy Neighbor (Part 1)
Anger (Part 2)
Self-Government (Part 1)
Love God, Love Neighbor
Privileges of the Family of God
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 1)
Ecclesiastes (Part Four; B)
Matthew (Part Seven)
Offerings (Part Seven)
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Two): Cultivating Love
Out of the Abundance of Your Prayers Your Heart Speaks
Our Part in the Sanctification Process (Part Six): Cultivating Kindness
Psalm Genres (Part Two): Imprecatory Psalms
Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment!
John 3:16: Does God Really Love the World?
Whose Side Are We On?
Four Warnings (Part One)
'But I Say to You' (Part Seven): Love Your Enemies
Watch and Vigilantly Prepare
All Nations Before Him Are As Nothing!
The Peacemakers
The Rest of the Story
The Two Great Commandments: First Principles
We Give Our Heads and Hearts
Peace
Should a Christian Go To War? (Part 2)
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Keeping God's Standards
Prepare for Your Future Now
Why We Tithe (Part 2)
Sow for Yourself
Entanglement with the Yoke of Bondage
Christ Our Standard
New Covenant Priesthood (Part 12)
Taking an Insult

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