Based on the beginning of the famous love passage in 1 Corinthians 13, this sermon covers the four actions we ought to take if we are to obey the instruction to suffer long and be kind.
BTW, if you want to track my progress, you can listen to me preach on the exact same passage back in 2007.
[powerpress]http://www.wholereason.com/wp-content/uploads/powerpress/Love_Suffers_Long.mp3[/powerpress]
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LOVE:
1. Good for Evil
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I tell you not to resist an evil person. But whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. ~ Matthew 5:38-48
Why return good for evil?
- To God’s love and the reality of His Kingdom (Matthew 5:43-48)
- To his conscience (Proverbs 25:21-23)
- To the cycle of evil (Proverbs 15:1)
- To like Christ
2. Forgives
Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?†Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. ~ Matthew 18:21-22
Why repeatedly forgive?
- To what God does
- We should that we too have been forgiven much
- We the same mercy from God that we give others.
3. To Enable Falsehood
Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. ~ Ephesians 4:15
- Matthew 18:15-17
4. Itself From Harm’s Way
A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. ~ Proverbs 27:12
- Hebrews 12:1-4
Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” ~ Luke 23:34