Sunday Words of Encouragement March 6, 2022

We prayed for needs in Sunday School and continued the study in Revelation. Service started with eager worship, and we had special prayer for Bay County fires and the people and situation in Ukraine.

Our interim pastor delivered a sermon on “Do You Love People?” He confessed that sometimes he questions himself: “ Do I really love people?” That made him challenge all of us.

All Christians are familiar with John 3:16 that tells us that ‘God so loved the world, He gave His only son…’. Just think of such wondrous love!! It is indescribable. “What manner of love…” 1 John 3:1 (KJV).
Christ died for us while we were still sinners. Romans 5: 6-8. We all have lived in malice, but God’s love and grace gives us hope. Titus 3:3-7.
Again, it is by His great love and mercy that we are saved. Ephesians 2:4-5.
That love is not just to Jews, not just to Christians, not just to those who follow Christ. That love is to all mankind.
When Christ died for all sinners, He knew how evil and sinful men could be.

The world is more connected by technology today, but it is really no different than generations of the past. (There is nothing new under the sun. Ecclesiastics 1:9.)
We are to share the love we have experienced from God with the world.
Ephesians 5:1-2. We are to ‘follow in God’s example and walk in love’.

Follower = imitator of God. Imitating His acts, words, and spirit.
Walk in love = To live in; conduct oneself.

Luke 10:25 – 37 tells us Who is our neighbor? Love God, love your neighbor. That means all mankind.
Loving your neighbor brings it down to where you live. Love everyone. Every individual is essential, our neighbor.
The Levi might try to justify himself that he couldn’t touch (be defiled by touching) an injured man. But Jesus takes away any justification.

Do we really love people or do we try to justify ourselves for excluding certain people or groups from our love?
Matthew 5:44-47 tells us to love our enemies too.
We are told to love one another. John 13:34-35
The world needs to see us loving even our enemies.
God forgives much and will forgive us if we seek Him. 2 Chronicles 7:14.
It's got to start right here!

Pastor shared the song video Start Right Here this morning which is very good!

But I came upon this video to share: Anything But Easy.

Verses for Today
Ephesians 5:1-2 NIV
1 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Lord, help me do better to not just love others but to show your Amazing Love to others. It isn't enough to love if I don't speak out to share You.