2022 New Year’s Message

A cruciform (gospel-centered) definition of love: “Love is willing self-sacrifice for the good of another that does not require reciprocation, or that the person being loved is deserving” (Paul David Tripp).

1: The WHAT:

• Love your enemies
• Do good to those who hate you
• Bless those who curse you
• Pray for those who mistreat you

2:  HOW Christians love their enemies:

• Turn the other cheek
• Give to everyone who asks.
• Don’t demand back what belongs to you
• Lend money without expecting repayment
• Do to others as you would have them do to you.

3: WHY Christians love their enemies:

• What credit is it to you to love those who love you back?
• Your reward will be great.
• You will be children of the Most High.
• God is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 
• You are to be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.