1. Praying For Our Enemies: Matt. 5:43-44
The Worthy Pray-er
Praying For Our Enemies: Matt. 5:43-44

2. Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you….”

3. An Abundance of Enemies
Christianity makes enemies
Matt. 10:35-37 – For I have come to turn “a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law – a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.” Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

4. Matthew 10:22 -- You will be hated by everyone because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.

5. Christ Has Many Enemies
1 Corinthians 15:25 --For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.

6. The Cross Has Enemies
Phil. 3:18 -- For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.

7. Enemies Are Everywhere
Psalm 25:19 -- See how numerous are my enemies     and how fiercely they hate me!

8. Could The Enemy Be Me?
Do I behave in a manner that makes others dislike me?

9. 1 Peter 4:15
If you suffer, it should not be as a murderer or thief or any other kind of criminal, or even as a meddler.

10. Behavior Sure To Make Enemies
Laziness
Gossip
Slander
Hypocrisy
Lying
Irresponsibility
Meddling
Arrogance
Disagreeableness

11. Romans 12:18 – My Responsibility
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

12. The Pursuit of Peace
Matthew 10:23 -- When you are persecuted in one place, flee to another. Truly I tell you, you will not finish going through the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

13. We Always Pray
Luke 6:28 -- bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.

14. Freeing A Scorpion
2 Peter 3:9 -- The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

15. Treat Others As God Treated Us
Romans 5:10 -- For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!

16. Vengeance Belongs To God
Romans 12:19-21
Do not take revenge
God will avenge evil
Feed your enemy
Heap burning coals
Overcome evil with good.

17. How Hard Is The Prayer Granting Forgiveness?
Luke 23:34 -- Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.