Love Refreshed
May 16, 2021
“After I had arrived in Ireland, I found myself pasturing flocks daily, and I prayed a number of times each day. More and more the love and fear of God came to me, and faith grew and my spirit was exercised, until I was praying up to a hundred times every day and in the night nearly as often.”
“You’re going home your ship is ready.”
“We appeal to you, holy servant boy, to come and walk among us.”
I invoke today all these virtues Against every hostile merciless power
Which may assail my body and my soul, Against the incantations of false prophets, Against the black laws of the heathen
Against the false laws of heresy, Against the deceits of idolatry,
Against the spells Against every knowledge that binds the soul of man.
Christ, protect me today, Against every poison, against burning,
Against drowning, against death-wound, That I may receive abundant reward.
“I will kindle my fire this morning, In the presence of the holy angles of heaven
God, kindle Thou in my heart within, A flame of love to my neighbor,
To my foe, to my friend, to my kindred all, To the brave, to the knave, to the thrall.”
Love Refreshed
Love is also a decision to self-sacrifice
The opposite of Love is not hate, but selfishness
Giving God’s best to others without the motive of personal reward
John 13:35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Romans 15:26 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord’s people there. For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord’s people in Jerusalem. They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews’ spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings.
Romans 12:9, 10, 13 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves… Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Grow a community of God’s Love
Galatians 6:10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
There is a family responsibility to love those in the household of faith
- It’s harder at home
- Creates a greenhouse of Love
- Creates an invitation to join the family.
God’s love has to work in God’s community
1 John 4:20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen
Romans 12:10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position
Romans 15:7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice!.. encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
Galatians 5:13 serve one another humbly in love.
Ephesians 4:2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you
Grow a community of God’s Love
There is a responsibility to love in the family of faith
There is a responsibility to love in the family of faith
