Sermons on Matthew 5:44:

Playing No Favorites--Like God Does Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Feb 28, 2023

Jesus tells us today not just to forgive our enemies, something we heard earlier in the Gospel, but to wish them well, to do good to them, and, yes, to love them.

Saturday of the First Week of Lent 2023 One of the worst heresies of the past two thousand years, an opinion that keeps coming back with almost predictable regularity, is the error first heard in early times from Marcion. The idea is that the God of the OT was a harsh, vindictive judge, almost ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 26:16-19, Psalm 119:1-2, Psalm 119:4-5, Psalm 119:7-8, Matthew 5:43-48  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

"crumbs"

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 6, 2023

As we come to this table and feast on this bread and wine, I am so grateful that God is the One who made up the guest list and not one of us and you should also be grateful that I am not the one who determines who may or may not sit at the table, amen?

[This sermon was part of a Communion Service.] Welcome to the Lord’s Table. Today we ‘feast’ on … [hold up a piece of bread and a communion cup]. To the naked eye, this doesn’t seem to be much of a “feast,” does it? A typical ‘royal’ feast in Jesus’ day would start out with an appetizer to whet ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:24-30, Matthew 5:43-47

Denomination: United Methodist

Christian Challenge Sermon Vi: What's Love Got To Do With Being Distincty Christian? Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Dec 12, 2019

In times like these, Christians are challenged to become mature peacemakers who unashamedly demonstrate their unconditional love for God and others in word and in deed as did our Lord.

CHRISTIAN CHALLENGE SERMON VI: WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH BEING DISTINCTLY CHRISTIAN? Have you ever loved someone? Have you ever been loved by someone? These two questions address the two greatest needs of the human race: to love and to be loved. Without love, we die . . . “The ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

From A Helpless, Little Baby To The Savior Of The World

Contributed by The Rev Deniray Mueller on Dec 18, 2019

On this third Sunday of Advent we consider who will come into the world

Luke 2:10-11 Today is the last Sunday of Advent, the season when we’re supposed to prepare for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. In a few short days, we will celebrate another Christmas. We sing of joy to the world. We give presents to people we love. We smile and wish each other a ‘Merry ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11, Matthew 7:12, Matthew 22:36, Matthew 22:39, Matthew 5:44  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Episcopal

More To Do As Christians

Contributed by Grant Adams on Dec 27, 2019

Often there are two attitudes a Christian has toward serving Christ. The possibility of growing wearing and why do we have to do so much.

Most of the New Testament was written to the disciples of Christ. Jesus taught from every angle to build His disciples. These Jews knew the Old Testament. He wanted them to know that He did not come to destroy the moral laws of God, vs. 17. He actually came to add to them. His conversation went ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:31-47

Denomination: Baptist

Step Eight - Its A List Dummy Series

Contributed by Robert Butler on Jan 8, 2020

Step eight comes across as a fairly easy step at first glance. I only need to transfer my list of people, places and things from step 5 and be willing to change. The “big book” offers all of three sentences so maybe it is that easy. NOT!

Step eight comes across as a fairly easy step at first glance. I only need to transfer my list of people, places and things from step 5 and be willing to change. The “big book” offers all of three sentences so maybe it is that easy. NOT! If I’m truly committed to changing I must dig a bit deeper. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:21-26, Matthew 5:43-47, Matthew 26:26-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Seventh Sunday In Ordinary Time -- 7th Sunday, Year A

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jan 27, 2020

Love your enemies

There is a sign in the Princeton University Store basement which cleverly suggests: "Love your enemies—it will drive them crazy." Jesus’ ethical teaching is higher than this example because love of enemies is not a consequentialist ethic, hoping that the other person will change. Love ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Catholic

Intercessory Prayer

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Jul 17, 2021

The following sermon is going to examine the Lord's command to love and to pray for our neighbors: our fellow believers, our country's leaders and yes even our enemies!

Intercessory Prayer Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 “A classic definition of Christian prayer is “an offering up of our desires unto God, for things agreeable to His will, in the name of Christ, with confession of our sins, and thankful acknowledgement of His ...read more

Scripture: James 5:16, Matthew 22:36-40, Ephesians 1:15-23, Hebrews 7:25, 1 Timothy 2:1-2, Romans 13:1-5, Matthew 5:43-48, 1 Corinthians 2:10-16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Cross Has Enemies Series

Contributed by Mike Lewis on Dec 27, 2022

Sergio’s enemy of the priest that turned him away became his inspiration to help others. Even the ones we see as representing Jesus can (at times) be an enemy. And today, our lesson is that The Cross Has Enemies.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION FIGHTING THE GOOD FIGHT Sergio Gutierrez Benitez was a kid growing up in a tough neighborhood of Mexico City in the 1950s. By age ten he’d already joined a gang, committed petty crimes, and started using drugs—marijuana at first, then harder drugs. Finally, after years ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faith And Suffering - Reacting Or Responding Series

Contributed by Roberta Karchner on May 2, 2020

1 Peter talks a lot about Suffering. How should we act and react as Christians on this subject

1 Peter 2:21-25 Matthew 5:38-48 Psalm 23 Our primary passage today is the one from 1 Peter, and I confess, none of us like what he has to say. I added the Matthew 5 passage, because sometimes it is easier to hear if we know it came directly from Jesus. Both passages are addressing the same ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25, Matthew 5:38-48, Matthew 28:20

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Called To Love

Contributed by Michael Monica on May 17, 2020

Perspective on loving others.

INTRODUCTION 1. In the minds of many, love is simply an emotion... a. A feeling that cannot be forced b. An emotion that can come and go (e.g., "I don't love you anymore...") 2. Yet we are commanded to love... a. And not just in the sense of active good will b. But ...read more

Scripture: Mark 12:30, Matthew 5:44

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Getting Life Right: Re-Cycling Relationships Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 18, 2020

1) Break the Cycle of Retribution, 2) Start a New Cycle of Love. "What goes around comes around" is not the final answer. Love graciously as God loves.

Getting Life Right: RE-CYCLING RELATIONSHIPS—Matthew 5:38-48 Most relationships follow a simple rule: “What goes around comes around.” If interactions between people are going in a positive direction, the relationship thrives, with reciprocal affirmation, encouragement, cooperation, and kindness. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:38-48

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Real Enemy

Contributed by Pastor Duncan Shabane on May 18, 2020

our enemy is the devil/satan satan is driving the church today in such a way that pastors are busy fighting each other we are busy fighting each other that is what we are being taught Jesus said "pray for those who persecute you"

Matthew 5:43-44 : 1 peter 5:8 : Ephesians 6: 10-14 Enemy___(echthrus)__Greek ____hated/hateful ___active sense___hating **our enemy is the devil/satan ** satan is driving the church today in such a way that pastors are busy fighting each other ___we are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-44, Ephesians 6:10-14

Denomination: Other

Greater Love

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 23, 2020

Today is Memorial Day. Memorial Day is when we remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom’s here in America. We honor our slain heroes today.

John 15:12-17 - AMP 12. This is My commandment: that you love one another [just] as I have loved you. 13. No one has greater love [no one has shown stronger affection] than to lay down (give up) his own life for his friends. 14. You are My friends if you keep on doing the things which I command you ...read more

Scripture: John 15:13, Matthew 5:43-44, 1 Corinthians 13:13, Galatians 5:22, Colossians 3:14, Romans 5:8, 1 John 3:16-18  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Who Is The Real Enemy Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jun 13, 2020

Where is the endless mercy and compassion of the God of the Covenant?

Tuesday of the Eleventh Week in Course 2020 For those who knew the promise God made through Moses as the Israelites journeyed through the desert, what was happening to Israel about 870 years before Christ was a great puzzle. God had revealed Himself as One full of tender mercy and compassion to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:17-29, Deuteronomy 7:9, Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: Catholic