The following blog post contains notes and application questions from our February 17, 2019 message, Love Precedes Life Change.

Discussing and Applying the Sermon

• Outside of Christ’s death on the cross, what’s the greatest act of love toward an enemy you’ve seen? Have each person in your community group share.
• Identify the person in your life who is the hardest for you to love and then go out of your way in the next week to do something loving toward them

Summary

There has been a shift toward coldness—a lack of kindness—in our country, and incivility often becomes hostility. Jesus calls us to more than simply tolerate (a willingness to allow the existence of something), He calls us to love. Even our enemies.

Key Takeaways

• Jesus could forgive because He had a comfort and confidence in knowing that God was His Father.
• Jesus can see past His enemies because of His relationship with His Father.
• Our hostility comes from a scarcity mentality. Whereas an abundance leads to generosity.
• If you are mad at someone who doesn’t see the beauty of Christ and His kindness, you are missing Christ’s heart for that person.
• When you believe the gospel you can see a captive and be fueled with compassion.
• Love precedes life change.

Mentioned or Recommended Resources

• Suggested Scripture study: Luke 23:32-34; Romans 5:8; 1 Peter 2:23; Hebrews 12:2-3; 2 Corinthians 4:3-6; 2 Timothy 2:22-26
• Sermon: Love Your Enemies
• Sermon: Love is a Verb
• Sermon: Compassion for Those Staggering to Slaughter