RETALIATE WITH LOVE     
Pastor Phil Perkins
Sunday, August 9, 2020 

“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” Matthew 5:38-42 (NLT). 

  1. The Law was given to restrain______________________!
  1. Jesus calls upon us to treat our enemies as He has____________________________. 

“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.  On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him;     if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.  In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’  Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” Romans 12:17-21 (NIV). 

 3 THINGS TO REMEMBER: 

* We must learn to restrain ourselves from seeking ________________! 

* We must keep our eyes on God’s goal of _______________________! 

* We must move beyond forgiveness to _________________________! 

“You have heard people say, ‘Love your neighbors and hate your enemies.’  But I tell you to love your enemies and pray for anyone who mistreats you.  Then you will be acting like your Father in heaven. He makes the sun rise on both good and bad people. And he sends rain for the ones who do right and for the ones who do wrong.  If you love only those people who love you, will God reward you for that? Even tax collectors love their friends.  If you greet only your friends, what’s so great about that? Don’t even unbelievers do that?  But you must always act like your Father in heaven” Matthew 5:43-48 (CEV). 

  1. Christians are to move beyond_____________________________towards love! 

 AS MUCH AS IT DEPENDS ON YOU STRIVE TO BE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN (AND WOMEN!). 

 Retaliate With Love