Sunday School Weekly Review

Lesson Title: LOVING AS GOD’S PEOPLE

Printed Text: Matthew 5:43-48

Key Verse: Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV)

44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.

Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary 2011

UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE:

People usually find it hard to love—even to like—those who are their enemies. Is there any help that would encourage us to change our attitudes toward those who hurt us? Jesus taught the disciples to pray for those who are unjust and evil.

BIBLE FACT: Jesus contrasted the way of the world with the way of the Father.

Here are a few:

1.The Jews taught, “Do not commit adultery.” But Jesus said that the person who lusts after another person is guilty of adultery (see Matthew 5:28)

2.The world teaches retaliation; Jesus teaches non-violence (see Matt. 5:38-39)

3.The world promotes people based on appearances; Jesus looks at the heart (see Matthew 7:15)

4.Jesus chastises the stingy and blesses the generous (see Luke 7:35-48)

5.Jesus said that people are more apt to accept a self promoter than a God promoter (see John 5:43)

6.Those who love their enemies give evidence that they are God’s children