I read a story of a Pastor who realized the congregation knew more about their faith but had some difficulty putting their faith into practice. So, he had an idea…
One Sunday, he stood up to preach, opened his Bible and read these words of Jesus: “Love one another.” Then he sat down; he didn’t say anything else, just sat down.
The congregation sat there, waiting. The Pastor got up and said again, “Love one another,” and sat down.
Now the congregation began to stir nervously; when was the pastor going to preach? So this Pastor got up a third time and said, “Love one another,” and sat down again.
A man on the first row leaned over to the man next to him and said, “I think the pastor wants us to love one another.” Then he asked him, “Is there anything I can do for you?” When his neighbor admitted he was having some financial difficulty, the first man opened his wallet and said, “Let me help you.” Soon, all across the auditorium, people were talking and laughing and praying and crying and giving. They were loving one another.
I want to believe this story, but I am not sure people would open up to each so quickly. Feels like a hallmark movie moment.
This Sunday we are going to talk about loving one another. Not just getting along with one another but loving one another. This is not a new thought. If you have spent any amount of time in church, you have heard this message.
Last week Ray G. spoke on the importance of loving God.
This week we want to build upon that and think about Jesus call for us to love others…
Matthew 22:34-40
34 When the Pharisees heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, 35 and one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 36 “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.”
Check out this story…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kOw0IsQYua4
And one for the young ones or anyone who enjoys Veggie Tales…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_YJiSgUC3I
Why do you think Jesus instructs us to love God and love others?
Why is loving others so important?
Is it even possible to love others the way Jesus asks?
What does it mean to love others like we love ourselves?
Do these words of Jesus provide us comfort or cause us to pause?
Let’s talk about it Sunday.
Attachments areaPreview YouTube video Becky’s Story: Loving Others WellBecky’s Story: Loving Others WellPreview YouTube video Lettuce Love One Another – Veggietales T4E14Lettuce Love One Another – Veggietales T4E14
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