Pastor continued and concluded his series titled Battle On.
On this day recognizing Love, we see that love is missing and misrepresented so much on Social Media. There is so much anger and vitriol instead. Can we show love to others in response to a post? Send them a message: I am praying for you. “…we surely ought to love each other.” 1 John 4:7-12.
Satan distorts love. It is not what we see in Hollywood or online. That is a distortion. God brings us back to what love really looks like. Paul wraps up messages he has been sharing in Romans chapters 5-8.
We are loved in an unconditional way. Romans 8:26-39.
God (Holy Spirit) helps us in our weakness; He prays for us; He pleads for us; He causes things to work for the good (according to His purpose) of those who love Him; He chose believers to become like His Son (adopted us); He called them to come to Him, gave them right standing with Him, and gave them His glory. Romans 8:26-30.
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” v31
“Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one”….v33
“Who then will condemn us? No one”…v34
“Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love?” v35
“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” v38
God claims us as His own and no longer sees our flaws and sins.
The POINT: As Paul was, so should we be convinced that we are inseparable from God’s great love.
Once we know this truth – that God loves us – then we can recognize the distortions in this world.
God is Love. He gave us His son to redeem us and allow us right standing. Do not allow others, or yourselves, to condemn us. Rather, accept God's love and love one another.
I found this fitting song in my (long) file of song choices: No Matter What.
Verses for Today1 John 4:11-12 (NLT)
11 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
Lord, please help me to do better to share Your love with others each day.
And you're right - we tend to focus on romantic love at this time of the year, but love comes in so many different forms. And we should be kinder and more loving to each other, especially so many of us are hurting and scared right now... I hope the coming week is a kind one, with plenty of love in your life, Martha:)).
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