Sermon Quick Summary

The scripture text for today is from Matthew 5:43-48, which is Section 3.24 in your booklet, available at www.plusnothing.com. This scripture has Jesus’ teaching on loving your neighbors, even including enemies. Our world is in trouble. People are hurting, and we are in trouble. The United States is in trouble because our moral compass is deeply compromised. The Church today in America is in trouble; a lower percentage of people are attending churches than at any point in American history. Does God see and care about the trouble we are in? God knows and cares even when we do not understand how God will use events to bring about God’s ultimate purpose. Often, like biblical characters, we ask God, “Do you see the mess I am in?” God’s purposes for my life cannot be thwarted. Yes, God does care. God wants us to trust divinity. With proper patience, we will see that God is in control. In responding to these difficult times, God has followers of Christ arm not with a weapon, but with more love. The five behaviors to help us love more effectively are: (1) Listen for clues that people are in pain. (2) Stop what you are doing at that moment because busyness kills compassion for others; you cannot follow Jesus and live a self-centered life. (3) Look past people’s behavior to see their value; if you want to be merciful and not judgmental you listen, stop, and look because attention is love. (4) Ask people what they need, not assuming you know. Let that person set the agenda as you learn to ask questions to be a better love agent. (5) Do what you can do to help. Ask the person what you can do to help. When Jesus is showing love to people, Jesus used His ears, His eyes, His mouth with words, and His hands to touch them. A love agent resists systems that hurt people.