Category: Love

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 1 John 5:1-2, the apostle reveals that obedience to the commands of God are necessary for us to properly express our love both for God, and for man.

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I just came across a quote from Agnes Bojaxhiu, commonly known as Mother Teresa. Most are aware of her. She was a Catholic missionary who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979 for her humanitarian work in India. While her theology as a Catholic is certainly flawed, this quote is very good:

People are often unreasonable and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway. If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway. Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.

Examining the quote, it reminds me of Jesus’ more concise words in Luke 6:31, “And just as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise.” Commonly called the golden rule, the principle is shared by many faiths. The reason for this is its validity as a guiding principle for righteous lives.

The basis is, of course, a love for man. One who truly loves his fellow man is constantly seeking what is best for others. He does so despite criticism, and persists in the expression of that love even when it is not returned. It is not common, it is not easy, but it is a characteristic that must be present in our lives as Christians. Our goal is to please God, not man!

Everyone is aware of the burgeoning crisis that is playing out on the southern borders of the United States. A rapid and large number of illegal immigrant children are entering the U.S. every day.

This large number of Central and South American children (many of them unaccompanied by adults) is overwhelming the resources of border authorities, leading to health concerns both for the children and the communities where they are housed, and fueling a great political debate regarding how to manage the situation.

Continue reading “In the News: Compassion and the Rule of Law” →

The text uses Paul’s epistle to Philemon to show how brotherly love can work wonders even during difficult times of potential conflict and trouble.

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Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

In 2 Corinthians 6:11 the apostle Paul expresses his love for the Corinthians despite the necessity of admonishing them. We should have a wide open heart for one another, but not for the world!

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Brantley Gallman uses the text of Jude to describe what is necessary to keep ourselves in the Love of God.

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In Romans 15:1-13, the apostle delivered a number of concise admonitions to the Roman Christians, including the call to receive each other, be gentle and charitable, edify one another, glorify God, rejoice, Praise the Lord, etc. These admonitions are discussed in the lesson.

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The sermon identifies God’s definition of Love in its highest expression. Agape love is founded upon the principle of selflessness. It is expressed in God’s sending His Son Jesus to die on the cross for our sins. It must be mirrored in our expressions of love to others.

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2 Corinthians 12 & 13. A series of admonitions and expressions of love to the church at Corinth, a congregation that greatly vexed the apostle.

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A textual examination of a number of verses where the phrase “one another” is found. The lesson emphasizes our need to love our brethren in Christ, with an explanation of ways this love is to be demonstrated.

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List of verses in DOCX format

Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin gives a paraphrase of Colossians 3, as Paul describes the character of the new man of Christ.

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While on the internet earlier this week I came across a quote by Rick Warren. There are many things that Warren teaches that are not true, but he got it right with this statement:

Our culture has accepted two huge lies. The first is that if you disagree with someone’s lifestyle, you must fear or hate them. The second is that to love someone means you agree with everything they believe or do. Both are nonsense.

You don’t have to compromise convictions to be compassionate.

This truth can easily be demonstrated with the parent/child relationship. Many children grow up to embrace beliefs or practices that their parents reject. The parents will express disapproval and may be intolerant of such rebellion, but that in no way indicates a lack of love.

The same thing is true regarding our interactions with one another as Christians. Paul wrote (cf. Galatians 6:1-2) that it is the spiritual man’s duty to correct his brother who is in sin. To do so is an expression of love.

It is also an expression of love to convict the alien sinner of his personal guilt when it comes to sinning against God. It is our duty to the world to seek to save their souls from sin. When we condemn their sin and call them to repentance, we are not hating them. We are practicing charity!

Invitation delivered by: Chad Gallman

As we contemplate the holiday seasons, and those less fortunate, Chad reminds us of the importance of acting with love and selflessness toward God and man.

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Invitation delivered by: Justin Carrell

Justin describes the aspect of love that would preclude a Christian offending his brother or sister in Christ.

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In these final verses, Paul continued the theme of charity that was the central part of the entire letter. He called upon Philemon to receive Onesimus back as an expression of charity. He then indicated a willingness to shoulder some of that burden himself — again as a demonstration of his love both for the slave Onesimus, and for Philemon as well.

If any loss had come to Philemon because of his slave’s actions, Paul pledged to repay it. However, he reminded Philemon of the debt he owed to Paul, “you owe me even your own self besides” (vs. 19). This should not be construed as an attempt by Paul to manipulate Philemon into absorbing any loss himself. No, Paul’s offer to repay was legitimate and sincere. Rather, Paul encouraged Philemon to note that he too owed a debt, and would desire a gracious response by Paul, as the one to whom he owed his spiritual life. As such, by Paul’s reasoning, he should respond in kind towards Onesimus. This principle was established in the “golden rule” (cf. Luke 6:31), as well as Jesus’ model prayer (Matthew 6:12).

Regardless, Paul expressed his confidence that Philemon would surpass his expectations. Content with that, he offered his salutations, and closed this beautiful letter to his beloved friend.