Text: Matthew 5:43-48 and others
Jesus identified Himself as the Vine, His Father as the Vinedresser, and us as the branches. The branches bear fruit. Bearing fruit is different than being saved, and Jesus made it clear we're expected to produce fruit.
What exactly is He talking about? Love and joy are fruit. In Matthew 5:43-48, Jesus talks about blessing those who curse you and loving your enemies.
People automatically think giving money, paying someone's bill, or giving them some kind of gift is what this scripture is talking about. Yet, enemies curse you with their mouths. Instead of retaliating with our mouths, we speak well of them or bless them. The word, "love," in the text is "agape" in the original Greek. It's talking about God's love. We can only respond in that way as we stay connected to the Vine (Jesus).
Praying for those who revile, trouble, or harass you is another way we're told to love our enemies. Note: We're not to pray against them. We're to pray for them. God takes a dim view of the, "give 'em what they deserve prayer." We sure don't want to get what we deserve.
This message is chockful of practical teaching. To hear it in its entirety, please go to our website, and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 for FREE or podcast it.
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