A Christian Virtue
A Christian can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave, but they must love others in a larger and more comprehensive way because they are all one in Christ Jesus.
The preacher delves into the concept of darkness in the Bible, highlighting its literal absence of light and its metaphorical representations such as punishment, spiritual or moral darkness, and separation from God. Scriptures reveal that darkness symbolizes evil, sin, and the domain of Satan, contrasting with the light of God. The sermon emphasizes the importance of walking in the light of God, practicing truth, and exposing deeds of darkness to align with God's will and avoid eternal separation from Him.
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I am being very frank about this and I hope I am being helpful: do not ever say you are not right with God because you like some people better than others! I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave. It is easy to love those who are the friendly; others rub us the wrong way or perhaps they cut us down. The writer to the Hebrews has appealed to us as Christian believers to "let brotherly love continue" -- in other words, "never stop loving one another in the Lord." Here is what I have found: it is possible to love people in the Lord even though you may not like their boorish or distasteful human traits. We still love them for Jesus' sake!
Yes, I believe you can be right with God and still not like the way some people behave.
Our admonition is to love them in a larger and more comprehensive way because we are all one in Christ Jesus. This kind of love is indeed a Christian virtue!
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Loving Others
- The Nature of Christian Love
- The Admonition to Love
- Love others as one in Christ Jesus
- A Christian virtue
Key Quotes
“Do not ever say you are not right with God because you like some people better than others!” — A.W. Tozer
“We still love them for Jesus' sake!” — A.W. Tozer
“This kind of love is indeed a Christian virtue!” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- You can love people in the Lord despite their flaws, and it's possible to be right with God and still not like the way some people behave.
- Loving others is a more comprehensive and larger love that comes from Jesus' sake, rather than personal preference.
- Apply this to your life by loving others as one in Christ Jesus, and not letting their flaws stop you from showing them love and compassion.