But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. — Matt. 5:44
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. — Luke 6:27-28
If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. — Luke 6:32-34
Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth. — John 17:17
From the workbook:
Why might having enemies be a sign that one is being a faithful disciple?
What does Piper show to be the root of love? Is this surprising to you? Why or why not? Why is it so essential to recognize this to be the root of love?
How might one use truth unlovingly? Have you ever seen someone doing this? Have you done this? Describe the situation.
Describe the modern conception of love. Who tends to have absolute say in what is and is not loving in today’s world?
What does Piper warn us of in the last section of this chapter? What has been his main point that makes this warning necessary? Which side do you tend to err on: speaking and/or pursuing truth unlovingly, or abdicating truth in hopes that you will be more loving if you do? How can you work toward cultivating more balance between the call to love and the need for truth?
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