2016.8.14 礼拝

2016.8.14 礼拝

2016.8.14 Luke 10:25-37 “Putting Love into practice”

God does not wish us to love him from fear. Even if a child is obedient to his/her parent out of fear, the outcome could be not what the parent imagined. Once the power balance turns over, the child may turn against the parent. Any act without love is meaningless.

“Love” could have a variety of meanings depending on situations. Some of them could be to forgive, to be kind, to do good, to help or being thoughtful. At times, it could be to admonish or even to distance oneself.

How we could show our love to others? Jesus has the answer.

Matthew 7:12 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Luke 10:27 You shall love “your neighbor as yourself.” Then who is our “neighbor”?

According to the Old Testament, neighbors of Jewish People are described as:

Leviticus 19:18 You shall not take vengeance, nor bear any grudge against the sons of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD.

What does Jesus teach about it? In answer to a question from a certain lawyer, he told a story about a man who was attacked by thieves

Luke 10:36₋37 36”Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?” 37The expert in the law replied. “The one who had mercy on him.”

So the “neighbor” is not necessarily the same Jew nor Christians, but anyone close to you, one with whom you can have a relationship or to whom you want to show compassion.

➀ Make sure who could be your neighbor.

Luke 10:29 But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

Jesus teaches us that anyone could be our neighbor and not limited to same kind, race or nationality.

➁ Decide where to start.

Luke 10:33 But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.

Matthew 5:46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?　Are not even the tax collectors doing that?

Do you really love those who love you? Does Jesus mean there is no need to love those who love you? But if you don’t, how can you love others?

Matthew 19:19-20 19 honor your father and mother,” and “love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 ”All these I have kept,” the young man said. “What do I still lack?”

Where do you start? Loving your parents, children, siblings go without saying. It is important to understand that there are other neighbors such as, a really demanding boss whom you might want to stay away from if possible.