Brothers and Sisters,
This week we will discuss our second measure of health: Love others sacrificially.
In the same conversation (discussed last week) where Jesus was asked to summarize the entire law, he gives a second command, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev 19:18 /Matt 22:39 / Mark 12:31 / Luke 10:27b / Rom. 13:9 / Gal. 5:14 / James 2:8). As you can see the multiple references from Old to New Testament, loving others sacrificially should most certainly identify the people of God. The people of God have been so radically loved that enables them to love radically. Notice the extent to which we are called to love others; like ourselves. There is hardly a day that goes by that we do not consider what is best for us; this is how we are to think of others.
If we are to walk in the footsteps of Jesus, then we are, as he did, to love others sacrificially in order to see them love him. After Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, he said, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you” (John 13:14-15). This sacrificial love does not only extend to the “one another’s” of scripture but those who are outside a relationship with Jesus (Col 3:5-6 / Titus 3:14).
As God’s people become healthy, inevitably it will work its way out into our daily relationships. Though not comprehensive, here are some ways to see health in a local gathering:
- Love for our immediate neighbors
- Frequent time in prayer for others
- A willingness to extend forgiveness
- Gracious and generous
- Involved in discipleship
Disciple-Makers
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for our informational meeting on September 4th at 6:30 pm. Click here to read more and to register and let us know you are coming.