Hmmmm- my initial thought was 'yes' but as I've re-read the passage I'm not so sure. I guess I like to think most of the things said are realistic but actually a lot of them are challenging. Things like not worrying, living as salt & light, turning the other cheek- I would love to say 'yes' these are easy but actually living them, not so much! 

I agree with Rachel,

I think it's possible but very difficult to do

One of the things that gives me hope that the things in the Sermon may be realistic is that these are things that Jesus sat down and said to his followers - effectively saying that they had chosen to follow him and this is what is meant / this is what was expected of them.

I don't think Jesus would have asked things of them that were impossible to do - but they did call for a change in attitude and approach to living.

Hopefully - as we get deeper into it - we'll have the opportunity to think about exactly what Jesus meant and to think about how those things can apply to us today.

I believe it can be realistic if you focus on it as individual and make an effort. Then as like-minded people, united by our faith we can make it work in our group and so on. But focus and effort, are rare attributes today.

Personally I would struggle too aspire too love  your  enemies..... people who curse and persecute me ......, 

Generally,there are people out there who have managed to love & forgive others that have done harm against them .....  which I feel there is hope in us all achieve the same 

Posted by: Stuart Wright

 

Personally I would struggle too aspire too love  your  enemies..... people who curse and persecute me ......, 

 

   

You are right - it is hugely difficult. But its interesting, and helpful, to note that Jesus didn't just call on his followers to do this, he modelled it for them.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. (Luke 23:34)

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. (John 15:20)

When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. (1 Peter 2:23)

And seeking to live for him, and following his example, some of the early followers of Jesus managed to demonstrate it as well.

Then he fell on his knees and cried out, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:60)

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. (Romans 12:14)

We work hard with our own hands. When we are cursed, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it; (1 Corinthians 4:12)

Hugely challenging - one of the reasons it is seen as "counter-cultural", both then and now