Love One Another (2)

Introduction

Illustration: Down Syndrome student

We can be very cruel in our society, but the church should be different.

The Christian should be motivate by God’s love for us and our love for one another.

Quote: As Pastor Rick always says, life is a laboratory for learning how to love.

Text

1 John 4:7–8 NLT

7 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.

Genuine love (seeking the greatest good in a person) is the hallmark of genuine faith in God.

Since love is a huge theme, with many different aspects, I want to narrow the topic to a very practical application.

I want to focus our attention this morning to the actions of love at Racine Assembly of God. Not only is “life a laboratory for learning how to love,” being part of a local church should be a laboratory for learning how to love..

Main Idea: To develop and practice six (6) common activities that will cultivate love and authentically impact the people around you.

Pray for one another

When you come to the worship service, or to a Life Group, or to a fellowship activity, develop the habit of praying for people.

In other words, where you are, simply begin to quietly pray for people that you see or feel impressed to ask God for the needs of others.

Ephesians 6:18 NLT

18 Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.

What should I pray for?

Experience peace and joy.

Marriage and family.

Safety and health.

Relationship with God.

The practice of prayer for others builds your appreciation, love, and value for the people around you.

Welcome one another

Take the time to engage with those around you. Open your heart to develop new, positive encounters with people.

Hebrews 13:2–3 NLT

2 Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! 3 Remember those in prison, as if you were there yourself. Remember also those being mistreated, as if you felt their pain in your own bodies.

Often times we are more comfortable around people that we know. But building new friendships can build your life too—and for the better.

How to welcome others.

Everyone is a greeter.

Get to know people’s names.

Learn someone’s story.

A welcoming environment at church is an indication that the church is healthy and strong.

Encourage one another

Life can be hard, and we need people to help us see the positive and the good things.

It is our responsibility to lift those around us.

Hebrews 10:24–25 NLT

24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

One of the reasons why we are here at this worship service is to receive and give encouragement.

How do we encourage others:

Express words that build up a person rather than hurt a person.

Express appreciation and gratitude.

Be available.

Listen to one another

Everyone wants to be heard.

We are more comfortable talking than listening.

Listening requires us to carefully, attentively, accurately understand what someone is saying.

James 1:19 NLT

19 Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

How do we develop the skills to listen?

Take the time to listen.

Focus on listen rather than thinking about how you are going to respond.

Active listening.

Care for one another

When someone is in need, we need to respond in a way that glorifies God.

We should be imitators of Jesus Christ—who demonstrated compassion for others.

Philippians 2:4–5 NLT

4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. 5 You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Compassion is not easy. It takes time, resources, work; and sometimes people will take advantage of you.

How do we engage in compassion and care for people?

Slow down and look. (Illustration: lady on Newman Road).

Ask God to show you what you should do.

Do not take the glory—but give the glory to God.

Forgive one another

It is by far the most difficult demonstration of love toward others.

Forgiving those who have hurt you may seem impossible.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT

32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

How can we forgive?

Pray (forgiveness on not just about words we say, but is is about the condition of our heart). It is a spiritual activity.

Use wisdom and understanding. The words we say can actually bring more hurt and pain, rather than victory.

Genuine forgiveness often takes time.

There is a difference between forgiveness and consequences. You may forgive, but the reestablishment of trust may take much time.

Conclusion

Recap: Love one another. How?

Pray

Welcome

Encourage

Listen

Care

Forgive

Story: 11-year-old girl, down syndrome, bullied. President Stevo Pendarovski (North Macedonia)

The vision of our church is to be a place of real love, real change, real life.