1. Was there something in this sermon or text that struck you as meaningful? As strange? As hard to understand?

2. Can you give some examples from your own personal life of returning good for evil, compassion for cruelty? Can you give examples for how our nation can return good for evil, compassion for cruelty?

3. How might we suffer for returning good for evil? What might people do?

4. Is suffering for our Christianity expected, or are we surprised when Christians suffer? Why?

5. What blessing do we receive when we genuinely act for the good of other people?

6. How would you explain the reason for the hope that is in you?

7. In what ways do Christians give the reason for their hope, but not gently and with respect? What is the effect from this harsh explanation for their hope?