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CALENDAR
Watch the morning service (10:30 AM) here.
Watch the evening service (16:00 / 4PM) here.

Order of Worship

8th of March 2026 | 10:30 (Espoo)

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness…

Our welcome team members will pass an offering basket during this song.

For information about giving online, please visit ucclife.fi/give or follow the QR code on the screen. You can also speak to our pastors or leaders for more information about giving and generosity. You can also ask the welcome team or any of our staff team members for more info on giving online.

A warm welcome to all, and especially to any visitors joining us today – if you’re new to our community please take a moment to fill out our digital visitors card or speak to us after the service!  

If you have children, they are welcome to join our Sunday school classes! 

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 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. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

We love our enemies because God loved us when we were His.

I. Love Your Enemy vv 27-31
II. More Than Fair vv 32-34
III. Be Like Your Father vv 35-36

Introduction
1. When you hear Jesus say, “Love your enemies,” what reaction rises first in you, and why do you think that is?
2. Think of a recent situation where someone disappointed or hurt you. What was your instinctive response, and what does that reveal about what governs your heart?
 
Into the Text
3. Read Luke 6:27-28. What specific actions does Jesus connect to loving enemies, and why does He move from the word “love” to visible actions like doing good, blessing, and praying?
4. In verse 29, Jesus speaks about being struck on the cheek. In its cultural setting, this was often an insult meant to shame. What instinct in us is Jesus confronting, and how does 1 Peter 2:23 help clarify what this looks like in Christ?
5. In verses 32-34, Jesus repeats the question, “What credit is that to you?” What does He mean by “credit,” and why does the phrase “even sinners do the same” cut so deeply?
6. What is the difference between fairness and mercy in this passage? Where do you see yourself living more by balanced exchange than by grace?
7. Read verses 35-36. What do we learn about the character of the Father? How do Romans 5:8-10 and Romans 5:5 deepen our understanding of loving enemies?
 
Application
8. Is there a specific person you struggle to love right now? (It is probably not wise to mention them by name of course) What would it look like this week to obey Jesus in a concrete way by doing good, blessing, or praying for them?
9. The sermon argued that only those loved as enemies can love enemies. Do you truly believe you were reconciled to God while still an enemy? How would a deeper grasp of that truth reshape your relationships?
Song lyrics (Espoo)

Order of Worship

8th of March 2026 | 16:00 (Helsinki)

But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you. Lead me, O Lord, in your righteousness…

Our welcome team members will pass an offering basket during this song.

For information about giving online, please visit ucclife.fi/give or follow the QR code on the screen. You can also speak to our pastors or leaders for more information about giving and generosity. You can also ask the welcome team or any of our staff team members for more info on giving online.

A warm welcome to all, and especially to any visitors joining us today – if you’re new to our community please take a moment to fill out our digital visitors card or speak to us after the service!  

If you have children, they are welcome to join our Sunday school classes! 

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 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. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

1. God’s love (Luke 6:27-30)
2. God’s grace (Luke 6:31-34)
3. God’s mercy (Luke 6:35-36)

Coming soon!

Song lyrics (Helsinki)
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