Practically Loving One Another - Bobby McDonald - August 11, 2019
Also in
http://rlcfchurch.org/rlcfsdg2019 River of Life Christian Fellowship 1306 N Lincoln Avenue Loveland, Colorado - 80537, USA
Summary
The speaker emphasizes that true love, as commanded by Jesus, is demonstrated practically through action, moving beyond mere religion or rules. Drawing parallels from a story about a father teaching his children to love an adopted brother, he argues that love requires sacrifice, patience, and actively rooting for another person's spiritual progress, not just their mere existence. The ultimate goal of Christian love is leading others toward abundant, eternal life in Christ.
Outline
The message in plain words, in the order it unfolds. Select a time to jump the video to that moment.
An orphan's fear and a father's instructionA story illustrates an adopted boy's insecurity and his father's instruction to the other children to show him real love, mirroring how God calls believers to love one another.
A new commandment to loveJesus gave a new commandment in John 13 to love one another just as He loved us, connecting true discipleship directly to love.John 13:34
Math problems of discipleshipChristianity minus love equals religion, the Bible minus love equals a law, and a disciple minus love equals a Pharisee.
Love requires sacrifice and putting others firstLove is measured by what a person is willing to give up for the sake of another, just as Christ laid down His life.
Rooting for another person's progress in faithReal love desires more than just a person's survival or initial salvation; it roots and labors for their ongoing spiritual progress and eternal good.
Love is easy on others and forgives quicklyFirst Corinthians 13 shows that love is patient, does not take into account wrongs suffered, and chooses to overlook sin and let things go.
Focusing on our own temple instead of judging othersHuman nature is quick to see flaws in others while remaining blind to our own sin, but we must focus on violently driving sin out of our own lives.
Learning to love difficult people and enemiesGod uses difficult people in our lives to test and grow our capacity to love like Him, even when it is hard and unrequited.
Encouraging one another dailyBelievers are commanded to encourage one another so that people are not hardened by the deceitfulness of sin.
Showing love through deeds rather than just wordsJesus never explicitly said the words "I love you," but instead demonstrated His love through actions and deeds.1 John 3:18
Meeting people at their level without a facadeTrue disciples do not put on super-spiritual facades to distance themselves from others, but instead associate with the lowly just as Jesus did.
Practical consideration for others in small thingsLove is considerate of others' feelings and needs, exemplified even by the resurrected Jesus taking the time to fold up His face cloth.
Praying for the Holy Spirit to pour out loveSince the Holy Spirit pours out the love of God within our hearts, we should pray for the Spirit specifically so we can love others well.Romans 5:5
