Theological Emphasis
Love is the way of the peaceable community. Patient love doesn't retaliate. Kind love serves enemies. Love that doesn't seek its own refuses self-defense. This is the discipleship community practicing Jesus' way together.
Application Themes
- 1This is how the peace church lives
- 2Love is patient with enemies
- 3Not seeking your own means no self-defense
Preaching Angles
Love means no retaliation
The community practices these qualities together
Kindness extends to persecutors
Key Textual Observations
ἀγάπη (agape) in Greek was uncommon before Christians gave it new meaning
μακροθυμεῖ (patient) is literally "long-tempered"
τέλειον (perfect/complete) in v.10 points to eschatological fullness
Recommended Commentators for This Tradition
- John Howard Yoder
- Stanley Hauerwas
- Sara Wenger Shenk
- John Driver
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