Eight-fold path to blessing your world. (pt 1) Romans 12:14-21

Don’t make your enemies your enemies. 14

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.

1. They have made themselves God’s enemies but God loves them.

John 15:18–19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first John 15:18–19 “If the world hates you, remember that it hated me first. The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.

2. They see you as their enemy but you must love them.

Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Matthew 5:38–44 “You have heard the law that says the punishment must match the injury: ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too.

If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!”

Make people as important to you as they are to God.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.

Romans 5:8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Make me a blessing, Make me a blessing Out of my life may Jesus shine;

Make me a blessing, O Savior, I pray, Make me a blessing to someone today.

Respect everyone God brings your way. 16

Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.

James 2:1–4 My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes.

If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?

Give them what they deserve under no circumstances.

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone.

Luke 23:34a Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”