This panel discussion addresses practical issues that pertain to Jesus’ teaching on enemy love.
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Where Love and Justice Kiss
• Cedrick Baker, Greg Boyd, Osheta Moore, Ted Lewis
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In this panel discussion that includes Greg Boyd, Osheta Moore, Cedrick Baker, and Ted Lewis, questions are addressed that pertain to the practical implications in daily life regarding what it means to love our enemies. The topics the panel addresses include:
- Some Christians were involved in an assassination attempt against Hitler because they saw doing nothing as a greater sin than the sin of trying to kill him. How does this line up with the teaching of Jesus?
- How do we define who an enemy is?
- What does justice that brings restoration look like?
- What is the relationship between systems and enemy love?
- Why is it hard to see how systems are at work in our relationships with our enemies?
- How do those within marginalized groups practice enemy love without perpetuating further marginalization?
- How does vulnerability actually promote enemy love?
- What are some practices that equip us to love our enemies?
The sermon ends with a lectio divina exercise that focuses on John 8:1-11. This is a personal practice that can help to create a space in your life so that you might be empowered to love your enemy as Christ taught us.
Hide Extended SummaryTopics: Discipleship, Love, Peace
Sermon Series: Sermon on the Mount, Against All Reason
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Focus Scripture:
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Matthew 5: 43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”
"My almost-three-year-old asks every day if we can go to church. Thank you, Woodland Hills, and all the Heroes Gate volunteers for creating such a great environment for kids. My husband and I met at WH six years ago and now our son counts down the days until we get to go again. My heart could burst."
– Lindsey