Loving Our Rivals

These questions are a follow up to the sermon on March 17th by Pastor Chris. 

Read Matthew 5: 43-48

1. What is the difference between the teaching of Jesus in this passage, and the teaching of the religious leaders at the time? What would have been the biggest challenges to the Israelites who were listening to this exalted teaching? How would this teaching have changed their worldview?
2. What do you find most difficult with this teaching? What steps/actions do you take to be able to obey this teaching? Do you pray for your enemies?

Read Acts 9: 10-19

1. How did Ananias overcome his negative feelings towards Saul? How did the Lord bless this act of obedience? How do you foresee the relationship between Saul and Ananias changing after this encounter?
2. Do you have any rivals inside the church body? If so, how are you going about loving them and treating them well? Is it possible to have the unity that Jesus desires of His church, if rivalries in the church are not addressed?

 
Bonus Question: Throughout our sermon series on unity, what has been the biggest challenge for you? What has encouraged you the most?