1 00:00:00,000 –> 00:00:07,500 Well, please have your Bibles open at first Corinthians in chapter 13 as we continue to look at this greatest subject of love 2 00:00:07,580 –> 00:00:12,800 And we began last week by asking the very simple question. Why does love matter? 3 00:00:14,080 –> 00:00:15,720 Paul picks out 4 00:00:15,720 –> 00:00:20,860 Faith hope and love and he says these are the three things that are going to remain 5 00:00:21,240 –> 00:00:26,120 But the greatest of these is love and the question we ask is well 6 00:00:26,139 –> 00:00:32,900 Why is love the greatest and we saw two answers coming directly from the Scriptures first a 7 00:00:33,279 –> 00:00:35,279 frightening possibility 8 00:00:35,480 –> 00:00:41,759 that we could exercise gifts and engage in ministry and make great sacrifices and 9 00:00:42,080 –> 00:00:46,939 If it was without love we would find to our horror that on the last day 10 00:00:46,939 –> 00:00:50,560 We’d got nothing that we are nothing and that we gain nothing 11 00:00:51,520 –> 00:00:56,540 But then second and much more positively we saw this marvelous prospect 12 00:00:57,400 –> 00:01:04,339 that God’s love should so fill us that we would reflect his glory and 13 00:01:04,639 –> 00:01:07,019 that this would remain that it would be a 14 00:01:07,959 –> 00:01:16,379 continuing reflection of the glory of God that would go on and on for all eternity for the blessing of all his people and 15 00:01:16,519 –> 00:01:20,059 we saw that God’s great purpose is 16 00:01:20,279 –> 00:01:28,160 that his own love which we’ve been celebrating in our worship this morning that that love should reach you and fill you and 17 00:01:28,559 –> 00:01:30,419 change you and 18 00:01:30,419 –> 00:01:32,419 remain in you 19 00:01:32,820 –> 00:01:33,300 well 20 00:01:33,300 –> 00:01:37,400 that’s what we learned from the first three verses of 1st Corinthians in chapter 13 and 21 00:01:37,400 –> 00:01:40,839 I think at the end of it we felt our need for Christ 22 00:01:41,540 –> 00:01:47,480 Because we see how very far we are from living a life of love that reflects his love 23 00:01:47,480 –> 00:01:50,580 And I think too that we felt a great desire for Christ 24 00:01:51,360 –> 00:01:56,940 Because if it is possible for you and for me to be filled with this kind of love 25 00:01:57,220 –> 00:02:00,800 Then that is surely something that we would greatly desire 26 00:02:01,699 –> 00:02:07,400 now I want to come to date of verses 4 through 7 and we’re going to ask a second very 27 00:02:07,900 –> 00:02:10,240 fundamental and important question 28 00:02:11,020 –> 00:02:13,419 What does love look like? 29 00:02:14,160 –> 00:02:16,160 What does love look like I? 30 00:02:17,080 –> 00:02:23,199 Want to take a moment to tell you how the idea for this little series? 31 00:02:23,720 –> 00:02:26,199 Was lodged first in my mind 32 00:02:26,919 –> 00:02:34,520 It happened back in June earlier this year when I enjoyed a visit with someone who was quite new to this church 33 00:02:34,600 –> 00:02:39,619 And had asked to come and sit down and talk again his late 20s 34 00:02:39,779 –> 00:02:45,419 We spent about an hour together and in that time he told me very candidly 35 00:02:46,000 –> 00:02:49,059 That he had made a complete mess of his life 36 00:02:49,899 –> 00:02:54,059 That he had moved in and out of work having come from a very abusive home 37 00:02:55,539 –> 00:02:58,800 That he had passed through a whole series of relationships 38 00:02:59,460 –> 00:03:05,740 That he had got himself involved in drugs, and that he had ended up sleeping in his car 39 00:03:06,720 –> 00:03:10,380 At that point he got in touch with a school friend and 40 00:03:11,559 –> 00:03:14,460 that school friend was a member of this church and 41 00:03:15,020 –> 00:03:22,539 As a result of that contact one of the families of this church had invited him to come and to stay in their home 42 00:03:22,539 –> 00:03:24,539 and he still there to this day and 43 00:03:25,539 –> 00:03:29,000 Through that he began coming earlier this year to this Church 44 00:03:29,860 –> 00:03:33,800 He told me that he was seriously looking to rebuild his life 45 00:03:33,860 –> 00:03:37,460 and that he was finding help in the services and 46 00:03:38,399 –> 00:03:42,039 Then he paused and he asked this question. He says can you tell me 47 00:03:43,919 –> 00:03:46,179 What does it actually mean? 48 00:03:47,020 –> 00:03:48,300 to love 49 00:03:48,300 –> 00:03:50,419 Straight up ask me that question 50 00:03:51,720 –> 00:03:58,380 he said you see I have fouled up just about every relationship in my life and 51 00:03:59,259 –> 00:04:01,259 I don’t know 52 00:04:01,600 –> 00:04:02,800 really 53 00:04:02,800 –> 00:04:04,800 What love is? 54 00:04:06,199 –> 00:04:08,199 And I said to him 55 00:04:08,759 –> 00:04:11,539 Have you ever read first corinthians 13? 56 00:04:12,460 –> 00:04:18,339 And he said he hadn’t so we opened the Bible right at these verses that are open before us this morning 57 00:04:18,440 –> 00:04:24,940 And that we read these words. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love does not envy and 58 00:04:25,779 –> 00:04:30,399 When we finished reading these few verses, he said to me, you know, what? 59 00:04:31,380 –> 00:04:34,959 That is the opposite of everything that I am 60 00:04:36,959 –> 00:04:41,440 And we began to talk together about how what we had just read 61 00:04:42,160 –> 00:04:44,160 Was what Jesus Christ? 62 00:04:45,440 –> 00:04:49,559 Could make him to be it was a very very wonderful hour together 63 00:04:51,000 –> 00:04:57,600 now, I think that there may be many of us in the congregation who share this question we 64 00:04:58,440 –> 00:05:03,100 Wonder what love looks like? We are not sure that we have really grasped it 65 00:05:03,100 –> 00:05:06,700 We’re not sure that we really have it in us 66 00:05:07,540 –> 00:05:10,040 You may not have seen it modeled at home 67 00:05:10,660 –> 00:05:13,920 You have found it difficult through life to sustain relationships 68 00:05:15,100 –> 00:05:17,100 You have kept moving on 69 00:05:17,760 –> 00:05:25,160 You want to know what love looks like, but you struggled really to get a handle on it beyond the word 70 00:05:25,899 –> 00:05:27,899 Well, this is the place to begin 71 00:05:27,899 –> 00:05:32,480 So I hope that you have your Bible open in front of you Paul gives 15 72 00:05:33,600 –> 00:05:35,600 characteristics of genuine love 73 00:05:35,940 –> 00:05:41,339 That’s an awful lot. So I’ve grouped them together and want to offer today seven 74 00:05:42,380 –> 00:05:44,380 distinguishing marks of 75 00:05:44,559 –> 00:05:46,559 genuine love seven 76 00:05:46,899 –> 00:05:50,720 distinguishing marks of genuine love and 77 00:05:51,179 –> 00:05:54,640 what I want us to do in the time that we have this morning is for us to 78 00:05:54,679 –> 00:06:01,140 Learn them from the scripture and then for us to see simply and briefly how we are to use them 79 00:06:01,519 –> 00:06:03,519 practically in our lives 80 00:06:04,799 –> 00:06:12,100 Seven distinguishing marks then of genuine love from first Corinthians in chapter 13 and the first of course is simply loves 81 00:06:12,720 –> 00:06:16,859 patience first Corinthians chapter 13 and verse 4 love is 82 00:06:17,959 –> 00:06:19,200 patient 83 00:06:19,200 –> 00:06:24,000 Now God’s Word has a wonderful way of bringing us right down to earth 84 00:06:24,000 –> 00:06:27,200 because the danger for churchy people is we become way too 85 00:06:27,899 –> 00:06:33,980 spiritual by far, you know, we talk a kind of heavenly language that doesn’t somehow touch the earth and 86 00:06:34,540 –> 00:06:40,160 If you were to say to me Colin, do you think you’re a loving person? Are you loving towards your kids? 87 00:06:40,799 –> 00:06:41,899 Then I say sure 88 00:06:41,899 –> 00:06:47,720 I’m really really loving towards my kids. I love my kids then if you were to say to me Colin 89 00:06:47,720 –> 00:06:50,160 Are you really patient with your kids? I? 90 00:06:50,679 –> 00:06:54,839 It’s paused and I see you could do a little bit better 91 00:06:57,540 –> 00:07:00,980 You see the scripture brings us right down to earth to show us 92 00:07:02,320 –> 00:07:04,320 behind the words 93 00:07:04,519 –> 00:07:06,519 What the reality actually? 94 00:07:07,239 –> 00:07:09,239 looks like 95 00:07:09,540 –> 00:07:11,540 think about a 96 00:07:11,679 –> 00:07:13,880 Person you care for deeply 97 00:07:15,720 –> 00:07:18,799 You want them to feel your love 98 00:07:19,299 –> 00:07:21,359 Be patient with him 99 00:07:22,299 –> 00:07:24,299 Be patient with her 100 00:07:25,160 –> 00:07:27,339 Be patient with them 101 00:07:28,540 –> 00:07:34,720 Grow in patience and it will be evidenced that you are growing in love 102 00:07:37,019 –> 00:07:41,619 Another way of translating the same phrase here is love is patient is to say love 103 00:07:41,920 –> 00:07:46,899 Suffers long that’s the way the authorized version of the Bible has it and it’s a good translation 104 00:07:47,100 –> 00:07:53,000 In other words love gives you the capacity to put up with difficult 105 00:07:53,260 –> 00:07:57,679 People and desperate situations that by the way is a wonderful thing 106 00:07:57,679 –> 00:08:00,019 Isn’t it because living in this world? 107 00:08:00,019 –> 00:08:06,160 You just can’t get through life without coming across difficult people and desperate situations 108 00:08:06,359 –> 00:08:11,640 If you expect everybody in this world to care for you and seek the best for you 109 00:08:11,640 –> 00:08:13,559 You are going to be disappointed 110 00:08:13,640 –> 00:08:20,839 You are going to be disappointed. Jesus said in this world, you will have what trouble you will have trouble 111 00:08:21,720 –> 00:08:26,380 And living in this world therefore you and I have to develop the capacity 112 00:08:27,559 –> 00:08:29,059 to handle 113 00:08:29,059 –> 00:08:33,580 Injuries, we have to have the capacity to deal with disappointments 114 00:08:33,880 –> 00:08:38,200 we have to be able to handle frustrations and letdowns and 115 00:08:38,520 –> 00:08:46,140 Conflicts and offences that you will experience throughout the entire course of your life, and you say how am I going to do that? 116 00:08:46,159 –> 00:08:47,940 How do I live in this world? 117 00:08:47,940 –> 00:08:53,679 how do I develop that capacity and the answer is love will give you the 118 00:08:54,200 –> 00:08:58,820 capacity to endure to suffer long to put up with 119 00:08:59,580 –> 00:09:01,580 difficult people and 120 00:09:02,020 –> 00:09:04,020 desperate situations 121 00:09:05,280 –> 00:09:07,539 You may be thinking boy, that’s what I need right now 122 00:09:08,599 –> 00:09:10,440 If you can 123 00:09:10,440 –> 00:09:12,320 grow 124 00:09:12,320 –> 00:09:13,820 in Love 125 00:09:13,820 –> 00:09:17,080 And you will gain the resilience 126 00:09:18,739 –> 00:09:21,619 that you need to live in a fallen world 127 00:09:23,479 –> 00:09:27,080 Love’s patience so practical 128 00:09:29,419 –> 00:09:31,859 second loves generosity 129 00:09:32,520 –> 00:09:37,700 again, let’s try and get behind the word that can be used in such a vague kind of way and and 130 00:09:38,520 –> 00:09:43,840 Down to the reality which is what the the Bible so constantly and so wonderfully does for us 131 00:09:43,960 –> 00:09:46,200 let me give another kind of application by 132 00:09:46,840 –> 00:09:53,239 Asking a couple of questions. I want to ask them directly because that would be manipulative. But if I were to ask the question 133 00:09:54,739 –> 00:09:57,200 Do you love this church? I? 134 00:09:58,760 –> 00:10:04,380 Think that the vast majority of us would respond and say sure I love this church 135 00:10:04,979 –> 00:10:10,539 Then if I was to ask a second question, are you generous to this church? 136 00:10:11,940 –> 00:10:14,299 Well, we might have a broader range of answers 137 00:10:15,940 –> 00:10:21,960 But you see the reality is that whatever our talk about love and whatever grand things we say about 138 00:10:22,460 –> 00:10:26,659 Appreciation and so forth. The Bible brings us down to this reality that 139 00:10:27,299 –> 00:10:30,039 Love will be reflected if it’s real in 140 00:10:30,799 –> 00:10:33,280 Generosity love is kind 141 00:10:33,880 –> 00:10:37,080 Kind, it’s generous and 142 00:10:38,219 –> 00:10:40,960 The degree to which you are growing in generosity 143 00:10:41,719 –> 00:10:45,700 Is the degree to which you are growing in love 144 00:10:47,239 –> 00:10:53,059 Now someone has said that the greatest thing a man can do for his heavenly father is to be kind 145 00:10:53,919 –> 00:10:55,919 to some of his other children 146 00:10:56,479 –> 00:11:01,780 And if you want to grow in love focus on trying to bring pleasure to those 147 00:11:01,780 –> 00:11:03,780 God has placed around you 148 00:11:05,140 –> 00:11:07,140 Love is generous and 149 00:11:07,700 –> 00:11:12,919 It is generous not only in what it gives to and does for others 150 00:11:12,919 –> 00:11:18,599 It is also generous in the way it regards what others are doing 151 00:11:20,179 –> 00:11:22,039 And here we come to 152 00:11:22,039 –> 00:11:25,380 Paul’s next statement that love doesn’t envy 153 00:11:26,080 –> 00:11:30,799 Henry Drummond who wrote a classic little book on this great chapter 154 00:11:31,559 –> 00:11:34,559 He says whenever you attempt a good work 155 00:11:35,460 –> 00:11:43,260 You will find other men who are attempting the same kind of work and are probably doing it better 156 00:11:44,020 –> 00:11:46,020 And that’s true 157 00:11:46,280 –> 00:11:48,239 You’re raising a child 158 00:11:48,239 –> 00:11:50,239 There’s someone else doing it better 159 00:11:51,380 –> 00:11:53,380 You’re teaching a class 160 00:11:53,440 –> 00:11:55,440 There’s someone else doing it better 161 00:11:56,119 –> 00:11:57,919 You’re running a business 162 00:11:57,919 –> 00:11:59,919 Somebody else is doing it better 163 00:12:00,059 –> 00:12:02,059 You’re serving in ministry 164 00:12:02,340 –> 00:12:04,340 Somebody else is doing it better 165 00:12:05,080 –> 00:12:10,020 Whatever you are doing. There are always other people who are doing it in that sense. There is 166 00:12:10,659 –> 00:12:14,659 Competition and the question is how are you going to respond to that? 167 00:12:15,880 –> 00:12:22,080 How do you respond to those who are doing what you do and they are doing it better 168 00:12:23,599 –> 00:12:26,260 you meet up with someone from your college years and 169 00:12:26,880 –> 00:12:30,280 You see very obviously straightaway that 170 00:12:30,820 –> 00:12:35,700 God has prospered them more than he has prospered you how do you react? 171 00:12:37,020 –> 00:12:39,020 Do you rejoice in what? 172 00:12:40,500 –> 00:12:45,479 They have received from God or do you come away saying when I did that not happen for me 173 00:12:47,760 –> 00:12:52,200 So it really doesn’t matter how talented or how hardworking you are 174 00:12:52,479 –> 00:12:56,299 There will always be someone who does better 175 00:12:56,760 –> 00:13:02,440 Who’s paid better who looks better and downright is better 176 00:13:03,780 –> 00:13:07,640 And the question is how are you how am I going to respond to that? 177 00:13:09,320 –> 00:13:14,719 How do you handle the greater success of other people 178 00:13:17,539 –> 00:13:19,679 And Paul says love does not envy 179 00:13:19,679 –> 00:13:26,000 grow in love and you will be released from this cherlish this 180 00:13:28,140 –> 00:13:30,479 cultivate a generous spirit 181 00:13:31,700 –> 00:13:34,039 And you will be blessed 182 00:13:36,059 –> 00:13:38,059 Love’s patience 183 00:13:39,179 –> 00:13:41,380 Loves generosity 184 00:13:44,520 –> 00:13:46,140 Love’s humility 185 00:13:46,140 –> 00:13:48,460 There is three statements of Paul here 186 00:13:48,460 –> 00:13:50,960 He says love does not boast it 187 00:13:51,520 –> 00:13:53,520 is not proud and 188 00:13:53,799 –> 00:13:57,059 Then just a little later. He says it is not self-seeking 189 00:13:59,460 –> 00:14:03,400 Now the word that is translated proud here 190 00:14:04,200 –> 00:14:06,200 The root of it literally means 191 00:14:07,380 –> 00:14:11,460 Windbag, you know that kind of person the windbag 192 00:14:12,039 –> 00:14:17,799 This is the person whose conversation is mainly about himself or about herself 193 00:14:19,020 –> 00:14:20,859 there’s a phrase that 194 00:14:20,859 –> 00:14:22,859 I’ve often heard used 195 00:14:23,260 –> 00:14:28,559 To describe this kind of person. Here’s the phrase that he was a missionary 196 00:14:29,299 –> 00:14:31,599 to the when I tried and 197 00:14:32,159 –> 00:14:37,760 This is the person who’s always saying now when I did this and when I did that and when I was here 198 00:14:37,760 –> 00:14:41,719 And when I was there, and at least in our circle, we’ve often said well 199 00:14:41,719 –> 00:14:45,659 You know, he’s a missionary to the when I tried because his conversation is constantly 200 00:14:46,340 –> 00:14:47,940 about 201 00:14:47,940 –> 00:14:49,820 himself 202 00:14:49,820 –> 00:14:54,520 Dr. Allen red path says I think very helpfully when a man begins to boast 203 00:14:55,500 –> 00:14:59,960 He is advertising his emptiness and his ignorance 204 00:15:01,140 –> 00:15:06,820 There is no swagger about love it is too big for that 205 00:15:08,099 –> 00:15:10,260 the Lord Jesus Christ never showed off 206 00:15:11,340 –> 00:15:15,659 His greatness was revealed not merely in what he displayed 207 00:15:16,140 –> 00:15:19,520 But in the things that he suppressed 208 00:15:21,039 –> 00:15:27,380 That’s powerful the greatness of the Lord. Jesus Christ revealed not only in what he displayed 209 00:15:29,340 –> 00:15:31,840 But in the things that he suppressed 210 00:15:33,159 –> 00:15:36,159 Jonathan Edwards says a person of 211 00:15:36,719 –> 00:15:38,719 selfish spirit is 212 00:15:38,960 –> 00:15:40,960 ready to make much of 213 00:15:41,299 –> 00:15:48,280 The afflictions that he himself is under as if his privations or sufferings were greater 214 00:15:48,520 –> 00:15:50,599 than those of anybody else 215 00:15:51,260 –> 00:15:52,960 here Paul talks about 216 00:15:52,960 –> 00:15:54,460 Not being 217 00:15:54,460 –> 00:16:02,559 Self-seeking and a self-seeking person and other brand of self-centeredness is often a person who makes much of 218 00:16:03,340 –> 00:16:10,479 The difficulties that he or she has to bear as if they were always greater than anybody else 219 00:16:11,020 –> 00:16:14,119 You speak to anyone who has gone through major suffering? 220 00:16:15,080 –> 00:16:17,080 someone who has gone through cancer 221 00:16:17,919 –> 00:16:19,900 Someone who’s gone through a bereavement and 222 00:16:20,679 –> 00:16:27,900 You will find they have a story about someone who came to visit them and spent half an hour talking about their own indigestion 223 00:16:28,640 –> 00:16:32,799 It’s true, and it is one of the Marks of 224 00:16:34,299 –> 00:16:36,299 self-absorption 225 00:16:36,559 –> 00:16:38,559 That it makes a person 226 00:16:38,799 –> 00:16:44,239 Insensitive to the needs of others because the mind is so focused on the difficulties I face 227 00:16:45,280 –> 00:16:47,940 that I begin to lose sensitivity 228 00:16:48,520 –> 00:16:54,080 To the reality sometimes far greater that are being faced by other people God has placed 229 00:16:54,679 –> 00:16:56,679 around me 230 00:16:57,159 –> 00:17:00,919 Love is not self-seeking you want to grow in love 231 00:17:02,780 –> 00:17:04,780 Stop being obsessed with yourself 232 00:17:05,400 –> 00:17:07,739 in the pattern of your thoughts 233 00:17:08,560 –> 00:17:10,560 the pattern of your words 234 00:17:11,380 –> 00:17:15,680 Start taking a genuine interest in other people 235 00:17:18,359 –> 00:17:20,359 Now this is a wonderful gift 236 00:17:21,680 –> 00:17:27,739 Love as you grow in love one of its great effects will be it will release you from 237 00:17:28,640 –> 00:17:31,560 Preoccupation with yourself it will be a wonderful deliverance 238 00:17:32,859 –> 00:17:36,540 I have a little phrase that just stays in my mind, and I found it helpful 239 00:17:36,880 –> 00:17:38,880 Love 240 00:17:39,560 –> 00:17:42,599 Begets forgetfulness of self and 241 00:17:43,680 –> 00:17:45,680 forgetfulness of self is 242 00:17:45,920 –> 00:17:47,520 health 243 00:17:47,520 –> 00:17:48,680 love 244 00:17:48,680 –> 00:17:51,000 begets forgetfulness of self and 245 00:17:52,079 –> 00:17:54,079 forgetfulness of self is 246 00:17:54,339 –> 00:17:55,839 health 247 00:17:55,839 –> 00:17:57,839 You healthy or 248 00:17:58,540 –> 00:18:01,380 Is the reality that your mind is is? 249 00:18:02,859 –> 00:18:04,880 so full of your own immediate 250 00:18:07,199 –> 00:18:09,199 Circumstances that you’ve lost sight of 251 00:18:09,800 –> 00:18:16,579 Others God has placed around you there’s a great deliverance here that comes from being filled 252 00:18:17,160 –> 00:18:19,579 with the love of our Lord Jesus Christ 253 00:18:21,060 –> 00:18:25,939 Well here’s distinguishing mark number four and I think it’s a very important one. I want to give it some emphasis 254 00:18:26,680 –> 00:18:28,680 love’s courtesy 255 00:18:29,079 –> 00:18:34,560 Paul emphasizes here in these four very important words that love is 256 00:18:35,500 –> 00:18:36,800 not 257 00:18:36,800 –> 00:18:40,420 Rude love is not rude. Now. You may think this is a small thing 258 00:18:41,520 –> 00:18:44,900 Actually, it is I believe of great significance. I 259 00:18:45,939 –> 00:18:51,020 want us to take this seriously as a distinguishing mark of genuine love and 260 00:18:52,219 –> 00:18:57,079 Here’s an encouragement if you are in a situation where love is burning low 261 00:18:57,920 –> 00:19:03,140 Where the fires of love in a relationship that is important to you are not particularly bright 262 00:19:03,500 –> 00:19:08,880 This is the simplest and easiest place for you to begin 263 00:19:10,459 –> 00:19:12,459 Courtesy 264 00:19:12,640 –> 00:19:14,640 Love is not rude 265 00:19:16,579 –> 00:19:19,939 Courtesy shows a valuing of another person 266 00:19:21,020 –> 00:19:23,020 At its simplest level 267 00:19:24,099 –> 00:19:26,099 Please 268 00:19:26,660 –> 00:19:29,920 Thank you, I’m sorry 269 00:19:30,719 –> 00:19:32,719 Well done 270 00:19:34,579 –> 00:19:40,339 Simple courtesy’s that might be going too much out of life in our day 271 00:19:41,699 –> 00:19:49,640 Someone has said healthfully that courtesy is. The oil in the machinery of human relationships 272 00:19:50,660 –> 00:19:51,619 and 273 00:19:51,619 –> 00:19:55,459 Life begins to grind when we lose fundamental 274 00:19:56,400 –> 00:20:02,760 Respect for other people. Sometimes those are closest to us and we begin to take them for granted and we speak to them 275 00:20:03,280 –> 00:20:07,060 abruptly in ways that we wouldn’t even speak to other people love is 276 00:20:08,060 –> 00:20:09,380 not 277 00:20:09,380 –> 00:20:11,380 rude 278 00:20:11,819 –> 00:20:13,859 Practice courtesy in the way that you listen 279 00:20:15,020 –> 00:20:19,660 we’ve all known situations where we’ve barged into a 280 00:20:20,359 –> 00:20:23,319 Conversation and broken into what another person is seeing 281 00:20:23,939 –> 00:20:28,000 Love doesn’t do that. Love is not rude. Love says I listen 282 00:20:28,000 –> 00:20:34,500 I’m interested in what you have to say and what to hear what you’ve said before I say what I have to say 283 00:20:34,500 –> 00:20:35,339 I 284 00:20:35,339 –> 00:20:37,640 Value what you think love is not rude 285 00:20:38,319 –> 00:20:39,680 and 286 00:20:39,680 –> 00:20:42,319 Practice courtesy in the words you withhold 287 00:20:43,939 –> 00:20:47,660 See, it’s so easy to slip into the habit of speaking 288 00:20:48,339 –> 00:20:50,339 About the people we love best 289 00:20:50,339 –> 00:20:55,199 In a way that highlights their faults and their weaknesses. Oh 290 00:20:55,800 –> 00:20:57,800 He’s always like that 291 00:20:58,560 –> 00:21:01,680 Oh I can tell you a better one than that my wife 292 00:21:02,420 –> 00:21:04,140 Etc 293 00:21:04,140 –> 00:21:06,140 Now, that’s just rude 294 00:21:06,760 –> 00:21:08,760 Love is not rude 295 00:21:09,280 –> 00:21:12,000 Love because it protects in its very nature 296 00:21:12,819 –> 00:21:17,119 Love wants that others will think the best of someone you love 297 00:21:17,660 –> 00:21:20,199 So don’t bring out the worst in the person 298 00:21:20,339 –> 00:21:27,420 you love love covers over a multitude of sins the Bible says courtesy is discreet and 299 00:21:28,780 –> 00:21:32,579 So practice courtesy in the words who withhold it’s an expression of love 300 00:21:35,579 –> 00:21:37,579 Fifth loves 301 00:21:38,560 –> 00:21:44,920 restraint look at these wonderful statements of Paul love is not easily angered and 302 00:21:45,819 –> 00:21:48,699 It keeps no record of wrongs 303 00:21:49,459 –> 00:21:51,459 not easily angered 304 00:21:52,780 –> 00:21:55,660 Put that another way not quickly provoked 305 00:21:57,420 –> 00:22:01,540 Love is not touchy is the way that one translator puts it 306 00:22:02,500 –> 00:22:06,060 Not easily upset not quick to be offended not 307 00:22:07,339 –> 00:22:09,420 fast for the hackles to rise 308 00:22:09,579 –> 00:22:17,300 Let me ask some some questions here are there folks who feel that they need to handle you with kid gloves 309 00:22:18,680 –> 00:22:20,760 Is that how you want them to feel? 310 00:22:22,839 –> 00:22:24,839 Are there folks who feel 311 00:22:25,599 –> 00:22:31,459 Really hesitant about speaking to you candidly because they’re just not sure how you’re going to react 312 00:22:33,660 –> 00:22:36,160 Well, that’s the case, we need to learn more about love 313 00:22:36,800 –> 00:22:42,920 This business of being easily angered, you know is the besetting sin of some of the most hard-working 314 00:22:43,880 –> 00:22:48,339 loyal deeply committed people in all of the world and 315 00:22:50,079 –> 00:22:52,880 One reason that I say that is that the 316 00:22:53,819 –> 00:22:57,979 Great example of this in the Bible is in a story that Jesus told 317 00:22:58,719 –> 00:23:03,140 The prodigal son and you remember that the prodigal had an older baby 318 00:23:03,140 –> 00:23:06,180 And you remember that the prodigal had an older brother 319 00:23:06,979 –> 00:23:14,219 Who remained at home and was hard-working and was committed and was loyal and did everything that his father told him and all the rest 320 00:23:14,219 –> 00:23:15,219 of it 321 00:23:15,219 –> 00:23:17,699 But when the younger brother came back 322 00:23:19,060 –> 00:23:23,079 The coldness in the older brother’s soul was revealed 323 00:23:24,180 –> 00:23:27,520 When the father threw a party for the younger boy 324 00:23:28,239 –> 00:23:32,859 We’re told that the older brother Jesus said became what? 325 00:23:34,119 –> 00:23:40,719 Angry, he became angry Luke chapter 15 in verse 28 and he refused to go in 326 00:23:42,900 –> 00:23:44,900 Now 327 00:23:44,979 –> 00:23:47,859 The besetting sin of someone who works so hard 328 00:23:47,959 –> 00:23:55,540 And is so upright and so committed and so loyal is that there can be a hidden poison in the soul a 329 00:23:56,540 –> 00:23:57,319 a 330 00:23:57,319 –> 00:24:01,500 Bad temper that comes out to your own surprise 331 00:24:01,699 –> 00:24:04,180 Have we not all known this you have reacted? 332 00:24:04,819 –> 00:24:11,140 sharply and then you’ve said to yourself as I’ve said to myself why ever did I do that and 333 00:24:13,300 –> 00:24:15,900 When you see that you’re burning on a short fuse 334 00:24:17,180 –> 00:24:20,579 It reveals that something is going wrong on the inside 335 00:24:21,420 –> 00:24:25,979 Now what can you do about the sowering of the soul in the middle of your 336 00:24:29,060 –> 00:24:33,880 The answer is we need a fresh filling of the love of Christ 337 00:24:35,119 –> 00:24:39,719 And one of the effects of it will be that love will enable us to 338 00:24:40,339 –> 00:24:47,160 exercise restraint in the frustrations that we feel it will help you to keep your poise when you are 339 00:24:47,459 –> 00:24:49,459 provoked because love is 340 00:24:50,400 –> 00:24:52,400 not easily 341 00:24:52,420 –> 00:24:54,420 angered 342 00:24:55,260 –> 00:24:59,780 Again Jonathan Edwards points out that there are many occasions in which it is legitimate 343 00:25:00,660 –> 00:25:05,380 For a Christian to be angry not always wrong to be angry. The Bible never suggests that 344 00:25:06,180 –> 00:25:09,640 But he warns us about the danger of being angry 345 00:25:10,540 –> 00:25:12,540 for a long time 346 00:25:12,959 –> 00:25:14,959 Listen to this. I find it very helpful 347 00:25:15,859 –> 00:25:21,300 If a person allows himself to hold his anger towards another long 348 00:25:22,619 –> 00:25:25,060 He will quickly come to hate him 349 00:25:26,719 –> 00:25:28,959 This is how we find it actually is 350 00:25:29,060 –> 00:25:36,119 Among those who retain a grudge in their hearts against others for week after week month after month year after year 351 00:25:36,900 –> 00:25:43,459 They do in the end truly hate the person against whom they thusly up this anger 352 00:25:43,619 –> 00:25:46,599 Whether they admit it or not 353 00:25:47,420 –> 00:25:49,420 And so he suggests this question 354 00:25:50,359 –> 00:25:52,280 Ask yourself 355 00:25:52,280 –> 00:25:56,979 What good has been obtained by your anger and what? 356 00:25:58,239 –> 00:26:01,800 have you aimed at in it and 357 00:26:03,439 –> 00:26:07,119 The scriptures saying to us that love is not easily angered 358 00:26:08,160 –> 00:26:10,500 the scripture reminds us that where 359 00:26:11,099 –> 00:26:16,239 There is legitimate cause for anger. We are to be sure that we do not hold it long 360 00:26:18,359 –> 00:26:21,060 Love’s restraint helps us here 361 00:26:22,180 –> 00:26:26,699 Because as Paul says it keeps no record of wrongs 362 00:26:27,359 –> 00:26:28,719 in other words 363 00:26:28,719 –> 00:26:36,640 Love is selective in what it chooses to recall love will choose to remember the good about a person 364 00:26:37,020 –> 00:26:40,400 Love will not dwell on the wrongs that they have done 365 00:26:41,680 –> 00:26:43,680 grow in love and 366 00:26:44,140 –> 00:26:51,420 We will find that we expand in our capacity to do this to dwell on what is best about a person 367 00:26:51,939 –> 00:26:54,979 Even where they have caused anger and may have done wrong 368 00:26:56,260 –> 00:27:00,319 Love is not easily angered and it keeps no record 369 00:27:01,339 –> 00:27:03,339 of wrongs 370 00:27:04,140 –> 00:27:09,359 And then sixthly, let’s ponder loves joy 371 00:27:11,099 –> 00:27:17,739 Love does not delight in evil, but it rejoices with the truth 372 00:27:19,079 –> 00:27:25,959 Where there is real love in our hearts, we will find no pleasure in the difficulties of other people 373 00:27:26,479 –> 00:27:33,020 Again Alan Redpath is particularly helpful here. He says when a man has fallen 374 00:27:35,319 –> 00:27:39,560 Love will think about the battle he must have fought and 375 00:27:40,079 –> 00:27:45,619 The struggle he must have had before he went down. That’s very helpful, isn’t it? 376 00:27:46,640 –> 00:27:53,040 See love doesn’t rejoice in evil love finds no pleasure in another person’s failure or another person’s 377 00:27:53,280 –> 00:27:58,040 difficulty when a man has fallen love will think about the battle he must have fought and the 378 00:27:58,079 –> 00:28:03,699 Struggle. He must have had before he went down in other words love always thinks the best 379 00:28:06,400 –> 00:28:11,219 Now what is the habits of your heart in this regard 380 00:28:13,959 –> 00:28:18,800 Here a particular piece of news something that’s just been passed on do you 381 00:28:19,760 –> 00:28:21,560 instinctively 382 00:28:21,560 –> 00:28:23,560 think the best or 383 00:28:24,819 –> 00:28:26,900 presume the worst 384 00:28:29,500 –> 00:28:36,339 Because love instinctively thinks the best it gravitates in that direction 385 00:28:39,020 –> 00:28:41,119 You ever been in a situation where 386 00:28:42,400 –> 00:28:47,520 You jump to a conclusion. And then we’re really embarrassed because the truth was you got it hopelessly wrong 387 00:28:47,599 –> 00:28:53,560 The Bible is a lovely example to remember Eli who came into the house of God and 388 00:28:54,339 –> 00:28:58,099 he saw this woman Hannah and she’s praying and 389 00:28:58,640 –> 00:29:02,060 She was praying silently and so her lips were moving 390 00:29:02,400 –> 00:29:05,119 But there was no sound that was coming from her mouth 391 00:29:05,920 –> 00:29:08,459 and I guess is Eli came in and 392 00:29:09,099 –> 00:29:14,060 Saw what was going on and the way in which her body was moving, but no sound was coming 393 00:29:14,219 –> 00:29:20,640 Was moving but no sound was coming he presumed immediately that she was drunk and 394 00:29:21,619 –> 00:29:25,040 so Eli the priest goes up to this woman and 395 00:29:25,780 –> 00:29:31,239 Says how long will you continue being drunk put away your wine and 396 00:29:32,660 –> 00:29:37,099 Then he discovers to his sheer horror. He has completely misjudged the situation and 397 00:29:38,339 –> 00:29:42,939 That this woman is pouring out her heart to the Living God in prayer 398 00:29:43,180 –> 00:29:47,900 and that God Almighty is listening to her I 399 00:29:50,359 –> 00:29:51,839 suspect you see that 400 00:29:51,839 –> 00:29:57,160 Eli had just got his mind so full of how dreadful things were in Israel at the time and they were and 401 00:29:57,339 –> 00:30:03,199 The rapid spread of drunkenness and so forth and he comes in and he immediately jumps to the conclusion now it’s even here 402 00:30:05,140 –> 00:30:07,140 He couldn’t have been more wrong 403 00:30:08,699 –> 00:30:10,699 Love does not think evil 404 00:30:11,459 –> 00:30:13,459 It doesn’t presume the worst 405 00:30:14,699 –> 00:30:16,699 Remember Elijah 406 00:30:17,160 –> 00:30:20,020 living in terrible days and 407 00:30:21,439 –> 00:30:28,339 Coming to the conclusion that the erosion of faith in Israel is so desperate that he is the only one left 408 00:30:28,339 –> 00:30:29,859 Who really worships the Lord? 409 00:30:29,859 –> 00:30:35,420 And then when the Lord tells him the truth it turns out that there are seven thousand who have not 410 00:30:35,420 –> 00:30:40,520 bowed the knee to Baal. You see what’s happening? This man has become so 411 00:30:41,180 –> 00:30:42,699 focused in 412 00:30:42,699 –> 00:30:44,699 gloom within his mind 413 00:30:45,199 –> 00:30:49,300 That he interprets everything in this negative kind of a way 414 00:30:49,300 –> 00:30:53,619 And he has lost sight in his habit of complaints 415 00:30:54,380 –> 00:31:00,260 About his lost sight of the work that God is doing around him. He can’t see it 416 00:31:00,760 –> 00:31:02,760 He can’t see it 417 00:31:04,219 –> 00:31:09,640 Edwards again, found such help reading him and others this week how often on 418 00:31:10,900 –> 00:31:12,900 thorough examination 419 00:31:13,520 –> 00:31:16,959 Have we found better things of others? 420 00:31:17,680 –> 00:31:20,040 than we heard at first and 421 00:31:20,699 –> 00:31:22,699 We’re ready to judge I 422 00:31:24,079 –> 00:31:28,540 Ask you honestly could it be that a gloomy pessimism has taken root in your soul 423 00:31:30,979 –> 00:31:34,040 Kind of habit of thinking the worst a 424 00:31:36,939 –> 00:31:39,859 Glass half-empty approach to life a 425 00:31:42,680 –> 00:31:49,099 Cynicism that doesn’t really anticipate anything much good coming or happening 426 00:31:50,839 –> 00:31:57,359 You know what you need to be renewed in love 427 00:31:57,979 –> 00:31:59,599 love 428 00:31:59,599 –> 00:32:03,500 If you are it’ll make a difference to the place where you work the people who are around you 429 00:32:04,380 –> 00:32:06,380 It’ll have a transforming effect 430 00:32:08,560 –> 00:32:12,439 Here’s the last of these distinguishing marks loves consistency 431 00:32:13,959 –> 00:32:15,959 Notice first eight love 432 00:32:16,160 –> 00:32:18,239 seven love always protects 433 00:32:19,040 –> 00:32:21,040 It always trusts 434 00:32:21,199 –> 00:32:28,199 It always hopes and it always perseveres notice the word always always 435 00:32:29,780 –> 00:32:34,540 He’s talking about loves consistency and it never gives up 436 00:32:35,819 –> 00:32:39,920 God is calling us to live like this, not just on Sundays 437 00:32:40,160 –> 00:32:42,160 Not just on high days and holidays 438 00:32:43,000 –> 00:32:46,000 but every day so that love becomes not your 439 00:32:46,660 –> 00:32:51,540 Occasional grand jester, but rather your obvious character 440 00:32:52,760 –> 00:32:54,760 so here is a 441 00:32:54,920 –> 00:32:58,280 Snapshot of what genuine love looks like the question 442 00:32:59,719 –> 00:33:07,079 That I was asked and ought all often to ask what does love look like can you tell me and 443 00:33:08,500 –> 00:33:10,479 Here it is 444 00:33:10,479 –> 00:33:12,479 Love’s patience 445 00:33:12,900 –> 00:33:19,699 Loves generosity loves humility. It’s courtesy its restraint its joy and 446 00:33:20,540 –> 00:33:22,540 its consistency 447 00:33:24,020 –> 00:33:29,160 Now that’s what it looks like it’s a description that’s what we have here in these versus 448 00:33:31,099 –> 00:33:34,219 Now let’s come to the application very simply 449 00:33:35,260 –> 00:33:38,400 How then are we to use this teaching? 450 00:33:39,260 –> 00:33:42,400 What use are we to make of this Scripture 451 00:33:43,420 –> 00:33:47,439 Which is not difficult to understand but how are we to apply it? 452 00:33:47,439 –> 00:33:53,439 How is it to make a difference to us? We now know these things and many of us knew them already 453 00:33:54,560 –> 00:33:58,280 But how are we to use them. That is the real question 454 00:33:58,280 –> 00:34:02,719 Let me suggest three uses of all that we are learning here 455 00:34:03,380 –> 00:34:04,900 first 456 00:34:04,979 –> 00:34:08,340 Use this Scripture to examine yourself 457 00:34:11,020 –> 00:34:17,879 Now if there is one way in which human beings as human beings we like to flatter ourselves 458 00:34:18,739 –> 00:34:20,020 it 459 00:34:20,020 –> 00:34:25,139 Is that we normally consider ourselves to be pretty loving people 460 00:34:27,080 –> 00:34:31,260 You go and do a sort of man in the street type of interview and say to people, you know 461 00:34:31,260 –> 00:34:36,120 Are you a loving person? You will almost universally get the answer. Yes, I 462 00:34:36,899 –> 00:34:41,340 Hear it all the time. I’m not a very religious person, but I’m a very loving person 463 00:34:42,439 –> 00:34:43,840 We think of ourselves 464 00:34:43,840 –> 00:34:51,340 We flattered ourselves quite honestly in this regard that we see ourselves as pretty good whe it comes to love 465 00:34:51,500 –> 00:34:54,080 Pretty good when it comes to care 466 00:34:54,959 –> 00:34:59,879 Now I want to suggest that First Corinthians chapter 13 bursts that bubble 467 00:35:01,000 –> 00:35:03,000 Certainly does for me 468 00:35:03,239 –> 00:35:05,239 Doesn’t it do that for you? 469 00:35:05,679 –> 00:35:11,500 The burst the bubble doesn’t it it really does I look at this passage of scripture 470 00:35:11,520 –> 00:35:18,360 I say now wait a minute if this is what genuine love looks like I have a long way to go I 471 00:35:19,280 –> 00:35:22,760 Bet I stop flattering myself about what a loving person. I think I am 472 00:35:25,080 –> 00:35:26,439 That 473 00:35:26,439 –> 00:35:32,439 Is why we’ve called this series love a beginners guide when you really understand what it is 474 00:35:33,459 –> 00:35:36,159 You’re going to come to the conclusion that you’re only a beginner 475 00:35:38,020 –> 00:35:42,000 So I want to challenge you as I felt the challenge myself 476 00:35:43,459 –> 00:35:48,639 To examine yourself carefully in the light of this scripture 477 00:35:48,899 –> 00:35:50,899 You 478 00:35:51,139 –> 00:35:53,139 Want to be healthy physically 479 00:35:53,620 –> 00:35:56,139 You’ll go from time to time for an examination 480 00:35:56,439 –> 00:36:01,840 With your doctor and he’ll pound you around a little bit just to make sure there’s nothing there that shouldn’t be there 481 00:36:03,100 –> 00:36:04,659 You want to be healthy 482 00:36:04,659 –> 00:36:07,459 spiritually you need to learn to examine yourself 483 00:36:08,300 –> 00:36:10,340 Find out what’s there that shouldn’t be there? 484 00:36:10,340 –> 00:36:14,739 And there’s no better place to do it then right here in the light of first Corinthians 13 485 00:36:15,040 –> 00:36:21,840 so ask yourself the questions that arise from this scripture honestly with whom do I need to be more 486 00:36:22,020 –> 00:36:24,020 patient at this time 487 00:36:24,800 –> 00:36:26,800 Who is that person 488 00:36:28,199 –> 00:36:30,320 Where do I need to be more generous 489 00:36:33,139 –> 00:36:37,800 Which of my friends or colleagues am I most tempted to envy 490 00:36:39,919 –> 00:36:43,739 Who do I need to listen to better at this time 491 00:36:45,219 –> 00:36:50,520 Where can I show greater courtesy than I have done 492 00:36:53,300 –> 00:36:59,159 Where have I shown a bad temper or a sour spirit where have I given? 493 00:36:59,899 –> 00:37:01,899 evidence of self-pity 494 00:37:03,340 –> 00:37:08,540 Is there somebody whose difficulties have become a pleasure to me 495 00:37:09,820 –> 00:37:11,120 and 496 00:37:11,120 –> 00:37:16,600 What good thing in another person’s life has actually brought me joy in this last week? 497 00:37:19,760 –> 00:37:21,760 Examine yourself 498 00:37:21,919 –> 00:37:26,699 Vigorously in the light of the Word of God. God’s Word is a mirror 499 00:37:26,699 –> 00:37:31,459 That’s how the Bible describes itself and it’s given to us so that we will see ourselves 500 00:37:31,780 –> 00:37:37,620 As we really are and we see ourselves in the mirror as we really are so that we can put right 501 00:37:38,620 –> 00:37:43,120 What we now understand is really wrong 502 00:37:44,459 –> 00:37:46,699 Don’t let yourself off the hook on this one 503 00:37:49,139 –> 00:37:51,459 Most people who never change 504 00:37:52,419 –> 00:37:55,500 Don’t change because they never examine themselves 505 00:37:56,659 –> 00:37:59,899 So examine yourself in the light of this scripture 506 00:38:00,760 –> 00:38:02,260 second 507 00:38:02,260 –> 00:38:03,379 use 508 00:38:03,379 –> 00:38:05,379 these scriptures 509 00:38:05,580 –> 00:38:06,659 to 510 00:38:06,699 –> 00:38:10,340 Strengthen your faith. This is a wonderful thing. And 511 00:38:11,139 –> 00:38:13,899 It’s very important because when you examine yourself 512 00:38:14,719 –> 00:38:21,580 You will feel as I do that. You are a long way from being the kind of person described in first Corinthians 13 513 00:38:24,560 –> 00:38:29,500 But when you see that this is what God wants your life to look like 514 00:38:30,939 –> 00:38:35,139 That this is the goal to which God is leading you 515 00:38:35,899 –> 00:38:38,060 That this is the character that God is 516 00:38:39,419 –> 00:38:41,540 determined to form in you 517 00:38:42,679 –> 00:38:48,060 Then you will have the confidence to ask him for these things 518 00:38:50,459 –> 00:38:53,419 You will have the confidence to come and say Lord 519 00:38:53,419 –> 00:38:56,860 I see my need for these things to be formed in me 520 00:38:57,659 –> 00:39:01,580 Will you produce them in me? Will you give them to me? 521 00:39:02,060 –> 00:39:06,100 Create them within me by the power of your Holy Spirit 522 00:39:08,620 –> 00:39:10,100 See 523 00:39:10,100 –> 00:39:12,639 the message of Christianity is 524 00:39:13,719 –> 00:39:17,500 Not to say to you you’re a mess measure up 525 00:39:19,620 –> 00:39:21,879 The message of Christianity is 526 00:39:23,020 –> 00:39:25,120 to say you’re a mess 527 00:39:25,139 –> 00:39:26,060 unless 528 00:39:26,139 –> 00:39:33,060 God’s grace can recreate you and remake you and renew you and fill you 529 00:39:35,159 –> 00:39:40,120 The gospel tells us that when you come to faith in Jesus Christ 530 00:39:40,120 –> 00:39:46,340 and as you continue in faith in the Lord, Jesus Christ that God pours his 531 00:39:46,899 –> 00:39:53,580 Love into your heart by the Holy Spirit that is Romans and chapter 5 and verse 8. God 532 00:39:53,919 –> 00:40:01,219 Pours his love his love into our hearts whose hearts the hearts of those who belong to Jesus Christ 533 00:40:01,520 –> 00:40:07,219 God pours his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit and if God 534 00:40:07,739 –> 00:40:13,340 Pours his love into your heart this is the kind of person you can become 535 00:40:16,179 –> 00:40:18,540 So that should strengthen your faith 536 00:40:19,800 –> 00:40:21,540 that should raise your 537 00:40:21,540 –> 00:40:22,979 horizons 538 00:40:22,979 –> 00:40:27,540 That should encourage you to come as you examine yourself and say Oh God 539 00:40:27,800 –> 00:40:32,560 Produced this in me do this in me grow this in me 540 00:40:34,620 –> 00:40:36,899 Lord increase my patience this week 541 00:40:39,399 –> 00:40:40,379 Lord 542 00:40:40,379 –> 00:40:46,459 Open my hand and make me more generous and show me how to direct that generosity 543 00:40:46,780 –> 00:40:49,280 Lord help me to restrain anger 544 00:40:50,239 –> 00:40:52,219 Oh 545 00:40:52,260 –> 00:40:56,479 Lord deliver me from this negative turn of mind 546 00:40:58,719 –> 00:41:01,439 Give me joy in what is good 547 00:41:03,219 –> 00:41:05,540 Instead of this constant complaining 548 00:41:07,040 –> 00:41:10,840 On whatever I can find that is bad 549 00:41:13,280 –> 00:41:15,919 And when you ask these kinds of things in prayer 550 00:41:15,919 –> 00:41:21,719 you can be absolutely certain that what you are asking is in the center of the will of God for you and 551 00:41:22,939 –> 00:41:24,939 to ask with confidence 552 00:41:26,520 –> 00:41:34,459 Paul prayed for believers that we would be rooted and grounded in love that our love would abound more and more 553 00:41:35,239 –> 00:41:36,399 and 554 00:41:36,399 –> 00:41:38,540 That needs to be the pattern of our prayer 555 00:41:40,020 –> 00:41:42,020 Every week as you go out into the world 556 00:41:43,320 –> 00:41:49,719 You’re giving out your patience is tried. Your kindness is taken for granted your anger is provoked 557 00:41:50,479 –> 00:41:52,879 The memory of past wounds is stirred 558 00:41:53,879 –> 00:41:58,459 Your love is drained your heart becomes like a fuel tank and you feel that it’s getting 559 00:41:59,100 –> 00:42:05,620 Close to you running on empty. Thank God that there is a place where you can be filled 560 00:42:07,820 –> 00:42:12,639 Paul says I’m praying that you will be filled Christians be filled again and again 561 00:42:13,479 –> 00:42:16,699 renewed in the love of 562 00:42:16,919 –> 00:42:20,159 Our Lord Jesus Christ you can come to Him 563 00:42:21,139 –> 00:42:26,439 And you can ask him to fill you and then here’s the very last thing just very briefly 564 00:42:26,840 –> 00:42:32,560 Use this scripture to increase your joy if you want to feast for your soul 565 00:42:33,500 –> 00:42:38,379 Just spend a few moments pondering the love of Christ for you 566 00:42:39,419 –> 00:42:41,419 think of his patience 567 00:42:42,159 –> 00:42:43,320 The 568 00:42:43,320 –> 00:42:48,620 Long suffering of Jesus on the cross. He could have come down, but he stayed there and 569 00:42:49,139 –> 00:42:51,139 That is your salvation 570 00:42:51,760 –> 00:42:59,159 Think about his generosity his kindness in your life. Can you even begin to number the good gifts? He has showered on you? 571 00:43:00,300 –> 00:43:02,300 Think about his humility 572 00:43:02,780 –> 00:43:04,780 That’s he is so intensely 573 00:43:05,020 –> 00:43:10,959 Interested in you that he would give up heaven so that you could gain heavenly a side glory. So the glory should be yours 574 00:43:11,179 –> 00:43:12,320 Think 575 00:43:12,320 –> 00:43:14,320 About his courtesy 576 00:43:14,419 –> 00:43:21,320 Little children coming to the disciples and they’re rebuking the kids sending them off and Jesus rebukes them and says let the children 577 00:43:21,459 –> 00:43:22,260 Come to me 578 00:43:22,260 –> 00:43:29,459 I want to listen to them. I’ve got time for them and this Christ has time for you ruling the universe 579 00:43:30,060 –> 00:43:31,540 and 580 00:43:31,540 –> 00:43:32,739 listening 581 00:43:32,739 –> 00:43:34,320 to you 582 00:43:34,540 –> 00:43:41,239 And think about his restraints slow to anger and abounding in love your sins and your inequities 583 00:43:41,239 –> 00:43:43,159 He says I will remember no more 584 00:43:43,159 –> 00:43:48,120 He knows all that you’ve done and all that I’ve done but when it’s placed under the blood of Christ 585 00:43:48,120 –> 00:43:50,120 It will never be raised by God again 586 00:43:50,560 –> 00:43:56,179 Think about his joy he rejoices over you as you will rejoice over him and think about his 587 00:43:56,300 –> 00:44:01,399 Consistency his love for you will never change and never end 588 00:44:01,419 –> 00:44:03,419 Never-end 589 00:44:03,439 –> 00:44:06,879 use this to increase your joy and 590 00:44:08,080 –> 00:44:10,959 As you discover how much you are loved by Christ 591 00:44:12,379 –> 00:44:19,379 You will discover more and more of what it means to love. Let’s pray together 592 00:44:23,520 –> 00:44:25,520 Father in heaven 593 00:44:28,959 –> 00:44:30,959 We bless you 594 00:44:32,399 –> 00:44:37,139 And we ask that you will fill us with your love 595 00:44:39,719 –> 00:44:44,639 To live in this world with a reflection of your glory 596 00:44:46,899 –> 00:44:49,199 Through Jesus Christ our Lord