May 01: “What a Bunch of Garbage!” (Matthew 13:44-46; Philippians 3:1-11) Upon what do we place the most value? Money? Art? Jewels? Family? Career? Sports? In contrast, what in our lives do we consider to be worthless, something to be thrown in the trash? Now combine the two: what ONE THING is SO precious, that everything else is garbage in comparison? Come this Sunday to find out!
“LOVING THE UNLOVABLE”
Mother’s Day Prelude: “A Face Only a Mother Could Love!”
Introduction: Sometimes, the unlovable one is me
The Reasons Some Folks Are Unlovable Can Seem Unlimited!
What ARE some of those unlovable qualities?
WHY are they like that?
Seven Steps To Loving the Unlovable
1-Realize love isn’t just an emotion, but also an exercise of the will
On God’s side it is a command: “But I say to you that listen, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. If anyone strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also; and from anyone who takes away your coat, do not withhold even your shirt. Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone takes away your goods, do not ask for them again. Do to others as you would have them do to you.” (Luke 6:27-31)
On our side it is a choice
2-Recall Jesus’ unconditional love—even for the unlovable: “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive as much again. But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return.” (Luke 6:32-35a)
3-Admit we can’t (and won’t!) love them on our own, but that with Jesus’
help we can and will!
“I can do all things through Him Who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13; emphasis added)
“We love, because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19; emphasis added)
4-Assume the best and Accentuate the positive
5-Distinguish between loving someone and liking someone
6-Discern the beauty beneath the beast
The Blue in the Brown Danube!
What do you see in shells?
7-Be patient, remembering that NONE of us are perfect: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36)
Conclusion: Sometimes, the unlovable one is you!
5-8-22 Traditional Hymns A New Commandment ~ O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go We Know That Christ Is Raised
5-8-22 Contemporary Songs Yet No I But Through Christ In Me ~ O Praise The Name ~ Jesus We Love You Run To The Father ~ New Wine