Loving Others Compassionately

February 24, 2007

Opening Text: I John 4:7-5:3

Matthew 22:37-39

Proposition: Our love towards others is a register of our love for God and a reflection for how we love ourselves.

I. The Principle - Love God with our whole being, is shown in our love for others.

We Love as God Loves Us

A. This means our love takes into account value of all people because God is their Creator.

- Love your enemies (God allows the rain to fall on the just/unjust)

- Love is not for our own gain

In His Book Loving Each Other, Leo Buscaglia writes:

“Always start a relationship by asking:

Do I have ulterior motives for wanting to relate to this person?

Is my caring conditional?

Am I trying to escape something?

Am I planning to change this person?

Do I need this person to help me make up for a deficiency in myself?

If your answer to any of these questions is “Yes,” leave the person alone.

He or she is better off without you.”

B. This means our Love takes into account the needs of all people for redemption

Matthew 18

- Reconciliation over Isolation

Paul’s Principle Live in peace with everyone as far as your concerned

- Forgiveness as We Have Been Forgiven

By The Measure You received is the measure you give

II. Implications

Restoring Your Spiritual Passion, Gordon McDonald

VRP (Resourceful People) - Mentors (Paul)

VIP (People Who are able to ask the probing questions) (Barnabas)

VTP (Very Trainable People) - Timothy

VNP (Very Nice People)

VDP (Very Draining People)