How to Love Your Rotten Neighbors

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How to Love Your Rotten Neighbors

How To Love Your Neighbor, Part 4

August 25, 2024 • Tyler Crosson • Romans 12:14–21, Proverbs 2:9–15, Proverbs 29:2, Proverbs 21:10

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In this series, we've been reminded that loving our neighbors is not optional, but there is wisdom in how we love different types of people—the wise, the foolish, and the evil, as described in Proverbs. But how do we love those who seem evil? Proverbs makes it clear that evil exists in this world, and it's unwise to ignore it. God, in His grace, allows us to create distance from the effects of evil. We weren't created to simply endure it. However, even from a place of safety, believers are called to overcome evil with good. This message is for anyone struggling with broken relationships, holding the tension between needing distance and still finding ways to bless those who have caused harm. Our ability to love our enemies, some say, is the true measure of our spiritual maturity.

Questions for Reflection:

• Does it bring comfort or frustration to know that God will handle vengeance for wrongs, and that we must trust him with that process?

• What are some practical ways to overcome evil with good toward someone who necessitates you to keep your distance? Is there anything our church can do to help?

Compassion in Action

September 1, 2024 • Travis James • Luke 10:25–37

Why do you do the things you do? Is it love for others or something else? To conclude our series on How To Love Your Neighbor, Travis examines Luke 10 and the Parable of the Good Samaritan to explore the motivation behind our love for our neighbors. Travis suggests that loving others starts from a place of compassion that results in love. Questions for Reflection: • What motivates you to love others the way you do? • How does compassion change the way you view and engage other people?

Dealing with Those Who Reject Wisdom and Act Foolishly

August 18, 2024 • Tyler Crosson • Proverbs 13:16, Proverbs 14:8, Proverbs 26:4–5, Proverbs 13:20, Proverbs 12:15

In this insightful message from Week 3 of our "How to Love Your Neighbor" series, Pastor Tyler tackles the challenge of dealing with people who reject wisdom and act foolishly, as described in the Book of Proverbs. Loving others isn’t always easy, especially when their behavior leads them—and sometimes us—down a destructive path. In this message, you'll learn how to set healthy boundaries and enforce consequences, all while maintaining a heart of love and grace. Pastor Tyler offers practical biblical wisdom for navigating tough relationships, emphasizing that while love is not optional, how we express it must be guided by wisdom. If you’ve ever struggled with difficult relationships or wondered how to love those who resist correction, this message provides clear and actionable steps rooted in Scripture. Discover how to reflect God's love even in the most challenging situations. Questions for Reflection: • Who are some people in your life that you have or need healthy boundaries and consequences with? Why? • Who are the people in your life that help you guard against acting a fool and walking in sin?

Wisdom and Loving Thy Neighbor

August 11, 2024 • Tyler Crosson • Proverbs 27:5–6, Proverbs 17:27, Proverbs 29:11, Proverbs 13:20, Psalm 1

In order to love our neighbors well, the Bible invites us to grow our discernment, or ability to perceive, understand or judge things clearly. That's because Proverbs identifies three types of people: the wise, the fool and the evil. Wisdom understands that loving each can look different. Today we focus on the wise. These are the easiest of our neighbors to love, but it also begs the question: are you a wise neighbor? In looking at some of the wisdom from proverbs, we are better able to identify if we are wise and the importance of seeking God's wisdom. Questions for Reflection: * What are unwise things you are struggle with currently? * Who are people in your life that are wise in the things of God? * Do you tend to surround yourself with wise, foolish or evil people? * How do you handle constructive criticism? * Other questions are included in the attached handout