Sermon for August 16th, 2026

Matthew 5:38-48 (NT p.5)

38 ‘You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” 39 But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; 40 and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; 41 and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. 42 Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

43 ‘You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.” 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 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. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax-collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Higher Education Part III: Love Your Enemies

It was Sunday morning in a little country church, and the pastor was preaching about the importance of loving (and forgiving) one's enemies. Halfway through the sermon, he paused and said, "raise your hand if you are ready to forgive your enemies today." About half the congregation raised their hands, so he continued preaching even more fervently. Fifteen minutes later, he paused again, and said, "What about now? Raise your hand if you are ready to forgive your enemies now." Almost everyone raised their hand this time...only a few holdouts. This went on several more times until just one person was left. Finally, in exasperation, the preacher stopped and said, "Mr. Jones, why can't you forgive your enemies like Jesus taught us to?" Mr. Jones yelled out from the very last pew, "Because I don't have any enemies!" Seeing a teaching opportunity here, the pastor descended from the pulpit and walked right back to Ms. Jones, and asked him to stand up. Which he did. "Mr. Jones," said the pastor, "can you tell us how old you are?" The old man answered, "I'm 97 years old."

"And you have no enemies?" asked the pastor, incredulously. Mr. Jones emphatically replied, "None whatsoever!"

"Well, then, Mr. Jones--please enlighten us all. Tell us, if you would, how a person can live to be 97 years old, and have no enemies whatsoever. There must be quite a secret to it!"

Mr. Jones thought about it for a moment, then said, "Simple, really. I just outlived those bastards."