Love in Relationships
Love in Relationships3
A Godly Response to Criticism: Listen, Learn, and Love
By Mike Bickle2852:28PHP 1:91TI 1:5Mike Bickle addresses the challenge of responding to criticism within our spiritual family, emphasizing the importance of listening, learning, and loving in the face of both constructive and destructive criticism. He highlights that criticism can be a tool for growth, particularly in relationships such as marriages and families, and encourages individuals to approach criticism with humility and a desire to improve. Bickle stresses that the ultimate goal is to grow in love, as love is the currency we carry into eternity. He reminds us that our responses to criticism can either foster bitterness or lead to healing and deeper connections.
The Message of Philemon
By G. Campbell Morgan0PHM 1:1G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes the transformative power of Christianity as illustrated in the letter to Philemon, showcasing the triumph of Paul, the change in Onesimus, and the principles of Philemon. He highlights how true fellowship with Christ enables individuals to overcome circumstances, authority, and personal inclinations through love and righteousness. The sermon underscores that life in Christ alters every relationship, revealing the authenticity of one's faith through interactions with others. Morgan also points out that social evils can only be addressed through the transformation of individuals, as seen in the relationships between Paul, Philemon, and Onesimus. Ultimately, the message calls for believers to be filled with the Spirit, embody the mind of Christ, and let His word dwell richly within them.
The Challenge of Love
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 15:12ROM 5:51CO 13:1GAL 5:22EPH 2:4EPH 4:301JN 3:141JN 4:111JN 4:19T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the profound challenge of embodying Divine love as a reflection of God's love for us, as articulated in Ephesians 2:4 and Romans 5:5. He asserts that our relationship with God is fundamentally tested by our love for one another, highlighting that true love is a manifestation of the Holy Spirit within us. Sparks warns against allowing bitterness to hinder our love for fellow believers, as this can obstruct our communion with God and affect our prayer life. He concludes that genuine ministry and spiritual growth are rooted in the love of God, which must be the driving force behind our actions and relationships with others.