“Dealing with People We Don't Like”
Matthew 5:21-26, 43-48

September 11, 2011

vs 21-22
“You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgement.’  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgement.”

HATEFUL ____________ ARE JUST AS BAD AS HATEFUL __________

vs 23 -24
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to that person; then come and offer your gift.”

____________  __________  WITH PEOPLE _________ OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

vs 25-26
“Settle matters quickly with your adversary who is taking you to court. Do it while you are still together on the way..”

IT IS ALWAYS ____ _______________ TO MAKE THINGS RIGHT
• Matthew 5:9
• Romans 12:18-19

 
vs 43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 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. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?  And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

OUR MOTIVATION: LOVE THAT DIFFICULT PERSON... BECAUSE _____ LOVES  THEM!
◦ Colossians 1:21-22

• KEY IDEA: When dealing with people we don't like; we don't have to like them but we do need to love them, like God does.