This post is my take on Jon Porter’s sermon on 11/3/24 at Milan Christian Church.
As Christians, we need to be the hands and feet of God. Part of doing that is trying to understand them.
Son of man, say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what you are saying: “Our offenses and sins weigh us down, and we are wasting away because of them. How then can we live?” — Ezekiel 33:10
You can’t legislate morality. There’s so much hatred and judgment in the world right now, but in spite of what we see in others, we must love others because we are loved unconditionally.
Would people be able to tell that you were a Christian if you didn’t tell them? Love comes from God and if we are truly Christians, our actions will show love to others, regardless of their skin color, financial status, or sexual orientation.
When we look at the way Christ loves, we see it move beyond people’s brokenness and become an action that moves. We have to go farther than saying that we’ll pray for someone, and then not praying for them. If you’ve been immersed in God’s love you’ll want to share it with others!
You’ve created God in your own image if he hates the same things/people you hate. You are creating your own God.
God is love and that’s where we should build our foundation. Love doesn’t have conditions. It doesn’t matter if you’re a hot mess, God doesn’t love you any less or any more because of anything you’ve done or not done. God’s love is like a river flowing. If sin builds a dam, it becomes lifeless.
There are three ways that we come about accepting this love and processing what that means. First we feel it in our head. We’re told that we are loved by God. And we live that out by showing his unconditional love to others.
Showing unconditional love is not easy. It’s messy and inconvenient. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples. He does the task of the lowest of all. Others in the room wouldn’t stoop that low, but Jesus did! But he doesn’t chastise anyone.
Your love won’t be fully realized until you are loving on others.
Jesus showed love. We are called to do the same.
Scars have come from Christians who should know better. Sometimes extra grace is required to help someone who seems beyond reach.
If you’re keeping score of the wrongs done to you, you’re not loving, not waiting for people to get it right.
When we feel love in our hearts, we serve in small ways consistently impactful in quiet and consistent ways. Make it a habit to do something small each day. It could be as simple as listening to someone share their story, check on someone who’s healing or needs help completing simple tasks. Be fully present by putting down you phone and listening to what they have to share.
The flowing river can continue to help us reach out and love others. When we realize the grace we’ve received, we can’t be selfish with the love of God. We need to let our love overflow into our communities.
Sharing the love of Jesus can help us look more like heaven. We become the difference.
God is still in control! He’s planning on us to share his love with those who don’t know him. Do your part!
In Faith,
Pam
Where God Leads 