Love Your Enemies
Love Your Enemies
Chris has become a star on the church’s soccer team during its winning season. He now has a shot at making the regional All Stars. During tryouts, he is verbally and physically harassed because of his Christianity and Chris’ first reaction is to fight back.
Superbook whisks the kids back to the Garden of Gethsemane where they witness Jesus’ arrest and how He heals a servant’s wound. They hear Jesus’ words of forgiveness for his enemies as He dies on the cross. A time swirl moves them forward in time to witness the trial of Stephen and then watch helplessly as he is stoned by an angry mob. As Jesus did, Stephen forgives his enemies as he dies.
Returning to the All-Star tryouts, Chris understands how he needs to respond. He asks God for the strength and wisdom to reflect Christ. In a key skill test on the soccer field, Chris helps the boy who taunted him and begins to share Jesus and the Bible.
Bible Story: Matthew 5:44
Lesson 1
No Separation Anxiety
SuperTruth: Nothing can separate me from God.
SuperVerse: “Nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:39 (NLT)
Lesson 2
The Proper Response
SuperTruth: I will respond in love like Jesus.
SuperVerse: “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” Matthew 5:44 (NLT)
Lesson 3
Enduring Love
SuperTruth: Jesus endured persecution to save me
SuperVerse: “He was despised and rejected–a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief.” Isaiah 53:3a (NLT)