Loving Others

From the series: Acts: The Church on the Move

Acts 9:32-43 demonstrates that the gospel works through us when we prioritize being present with people in their suffering, as Peter traveled strengthening believers before any miracles occurred. The transformation of Lydda and Sharon after Aeneas's healing, and Joppa after Dorcas's resurrection, shows that God uses individual encounters to spark community-wide movements. Peter staying with Simon the tanner—considered unclean by Jews—reveals another evidence: the gospel breaks down barriers we've built between ourselves and those God wants to reach.

From the series: Unshaken

1 Thessalonians 3 shows that a life truly surrendered to Christ is marked by sacrificial care and genuine prayer for community, even in hardship. Our deepest impact comes not from personal performance but from investing in others, building unity, and trusting God to work through us—often in ways that reach far beyond what we see.

From the series: ThisMattersTo.Me

Luke 10 calls us to embody the Great Commandment—to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and love our neighbor as ourselves. This message challenges us to sacrificially love others like the Good Samaritan, reminding us that true spiritual health only comes from a relationship with Jesus.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Explores the reconciliation of Paul, Barnabas, and John Mark, showing how God restores broken relationships for His glory. Through love, listening, and learning, we are called to reflect Christ in how we relate to others. Our relationships, when shaped by grace and truth, can become a powerful testimony of God’s redemptive work.

From the series: Unveiled: A Study in Revelation

In the first chapters of Revelation, John writes to the seven churches in Asia. He recognizes the areas where they are healthy and points out areas where they are unhealthy. In this message, we examine the church in Ephesus.

From the series: In the Beginning

In Genesis 34, we encounter the disturbing story of the assault of one of the daughters of Jacob. She was treated as an object for a man's own pleasure, instead of as a person created in God’s image with intrinsic worth and value.

From the series: In the Beginning

How we respond to conflict is very telling about our relationship with God. At the end of Genesis 21, we see how Abraham responds in a moment that could have turned into a significant conflict, but instead became an example of acting selflessly and working towards peace.

From the series: In the Beginning

During a time of conflict and waring armies, we see Abraham honoring God and the people around him through his actions. What are some of the characteristics that make someone honorable?

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

The body of Christ spans many different cultures, people groups, languages, and worship styles. Yet, through all of this diversity, we find great unity in Christ.

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

The Apostle Paul is encouraging us to carefully consider our lives to see if we are serving those around us and seeking to bless them. Even though we have freedom in Christ, we should be mindful of those around us.

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

The body of Christ is worldwide, and we see a lot diversity in cultural traditions and styles of worship. What beliefs do we need to hold to strongly, and what does this talk about meats and veggies have to do with our faith?

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

Is our love for God reflected in how we respond to the world around us? Are we going through life only seeking to serve our own wants and desires, or do we see our blessings as resources we can use to serve others?

From the series: Romans: More than Conquerors

We get to the heart of Romans 12 and examine how we, as Christians, should respond to people and the circumstances of life. God calls us to respond differently than the world would, and through that, we bless those around us. And what is up with heaping burning coals ...?

From the series: Jars of Clay

In today's passage the Apostle Paul tackles the issue of conflict in relationships. This is a fact of life that we all face. During conflict we can reflect on the power of the Gospel and how it can transform our relationships.

From the series: Jars of Clay

In this passage the Apostle Paul addresses the issue of conflict and difficulties we can face in relationships with those around us.

From the series: Light the Dark

Emphasizes the importance of remaining in a close relationship with Jesus, likened to branches connected to a vine. Discusses how abiding in Jesus leads to a fruitful life, contrasting this with the barrenness of a life disconnected from Him. Highlights the transformative power of this connection, ensuring spiritual growth and the manifestation of God's love and purpose in one's life.

From the series: Light the Dark

Focuses on Jesus' act of washing his disciples' feet in John 13. It emphasizes humility, servant leadership, and the importance of continually seeking forgiveness and closeness with God. The sermon interprets the foot washing as a metaphor for Jesus' sacrificial love and a call for believers to practice humility and service in their daily lives, fostering a deeper, ongoing relationship with God.

From the series: Light the Dark

Centers on the biblical story of Mary anointing Jesus with perfume in John 12. It discusses Mary's act of worship, highlighting its selflessness and extravagance. Contrasts Mary's genuine worship with Judas Iscariot's deceitful objection to her actions. It emphasizes the importance of true worship in the Christian life, focusing on the themes of devotion, sacrifice, and the heart's condition before God.

From the series: Light the Dark

When we face conflict in life, how do we respond? In John 5 we get an example of Jesus in conflict the religious leaders and how he approaches it with a heart of compassion and truth.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

This week we are examining 2 Samuel 9 and how to fight loneliness.

From the series: Pursuing God's Heart

This Sunday we will discover what the Lord used to help David through some very difficult years. This same resource is available to us today.

From the series: All In

During these unprecedented times we are living in, it can difficult knowing how to respond in a godly manner. We are continuing our study in 1 Peter.

From the series: All In

This week as we discover how to be blessed and enjoy life despite evil and adversity as we continue our study through 1 Peter.

From the series: All In

Did you know your relationship with God is impacted by the way you treat others? We will examine how the Lord wants to use you to influence your marriage and relationships as we continue our series in 1 Peter.

From the series: 1 John

We're continuing our study in 1 John, and discovering how we are called to love one another.

From the series: 1 John

We continue our study in of 1 John and discovering how God's love is demonstrated in our lives.

From the series: 1 John

We look at how to handle conviction in our lives, as we continue our study in the book of 1 John.

From the series: 1 John

Join us as we continue our study in 1 John and learning how to grow as disciples of Christ.

From the series: 1 John

In today's message we look at the life of the Apostle John.

From the series: Planted

Delves into the guidance for building a healthy, thriving church. It discusses the roles of different members in the church, emphasizing servant leadership and the importance of godly living. Draws from Paul's teachings, stressing the need for believers to influence their community positively. It explores the impact of individual actions and lifestyles on the church's health and outreach, encouraging listeners to live out their faith in practical, everyday contexts.

From the series: Greater

Explores the complexities and challenges of living in a Christian community. It emphasizes the importance of love and service within the church, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding in interactions with others. Discusses the reality of church life being messy and imperfect, but stresses the beauty and growth that can arise from embracing these challenges in the spirit of Christ's teachings.

From the series: Ruth

Discusses transformative influence without material wealth or power. It emphasizes the impact of service, faith, and godliness, illustrating this through Ruth's story. Highlights the importance of serving others, regardless of one's position, and the role of faith and character in effecting change. It also delves into the themes of leadership, influence, and the power of words in shaping lives and relationships.

From the series: The Core

Discusses the fundamental importance of relationships in Christian life, emphasizing the role of community and fellowship. It explores how genuine relationships, guided by the teachings of Jesus about loving God and others, are central to a fulfilling spiritual life. It stresses that healthy relationships within the church community reflect and enhance one's relationship with God, underscoring the interconnectedness of worship, discipleship, and community in the Christian journey.

From the series: This Thing Called Love

Focuses on the role of love in bridging gaps in relationships. It discusses First Corinthians 13, emphasizing that love should be the foundation for connecting with others and with God. Explores how genuine love, underpinned by truth, plays a vital role in forming and sustaining relationships. It also addresses the challenges of bridging relational gaps and the importance of putting love into action to foster unity and understanding.

From the series: This Thing Called Love

Focuses on navigating and resolving conflicts in relationships from a Christian perspective. It emphasizes the importance of addressing one's own heart and attitude in conflicts, rather than simply blaming others. Discusses biblical teachings and examples to illustrate how proper understanding and management of personal emotions and reactions are crucial in resolving conflicts and maintaining healthy relationships. It encourages personal responsibility and a Christ-centered approach to dealing with relational challenges.

From the series: This Thing Called Love

Focuses on the Christian perspective of love in relationships. It emphasizes that true love isn't about personal gain or feelings, but about selflessly serving others, inspired by the love of God. Addresses common misunderstandings about love and self-worth, advocating for a love that reflects Jesus' teachings. It encourages believers to prioritize others, mirroring the humility and sacrificial nature of Jesus' love, and to find their value in God, not in themselves or others.

From the series: This Thing Called Love

Explores the depth and purpose of love in Christian relationships, particularly focusing on marital love. It challenges cultural perceptions of love, urging a deeper, biblically-rooted understanding. Highlights the concept that love is about actively contributing to someone's growth in accordance with God's plan for them. It emphasizes love as a selfless, sacrificial act, not driven by personal gain or satisfaction.

From the series: Legacy

Centers on the significance of relationships in the Christian faith, specifically in the context of legacy. It examines the Book of Malachi, emphasizing the importance of maintaining strong, faithful relationships with others and with God. Discusses how one's actions and choices in relationships impact not only their own life but also the lives of future generations. It encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and their alignment with God's teachings, highlighting the role of relationships in building a lasting legacy in faith.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Centers on the role of encouragement in Christian life. It reflects on the relationship between truth and encouragement, emphasizing how living and speaking truthfully fosters a supportive community. Draws on the book of 3 John to illustrate this, highlighting the impact of positive, faith-driven encouragement on individuals and the wider church community, and the importance of supporting each other in the journey of faith.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Emphasizes the importance of truth and love in the Christian community. It discusses how living in truth and love is essential for believers, reflecting on the teachings of the Book of 2 John. Encourages us to support each other in faith, underscoring the importance of these virtues in countering deceit and maintaining spiritual integrity.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Explores the importance of focusing on the heart in spiritual and personal growth. It discusses how behaviors stem from the desires and motives of the heart, emphasizing the need for mentoring that addresses these deeper issues. Underscores the role of the heart in shaping actions and attitudes, advocating for a Christ-centered approach to change and growth.

From the series: Family

We talked about if you're ever on edge, if you've got frustration building up inside of you, how do you deal with that? Today we're going to deal with it from the other side. How do you approach that dialogue in a way that produces something that God would desire?

From the series: Standalone Messages

Emphasizes the importance of unity and humility within the church. It discusses how a unified church, acting selflessly and considering others' interests, can stand out in a divided world. Highlights Jesus' example of humility and service, encouraging believers to adopt a similar mindset to shine as lights in a dark world.

From the series: Habakkuk

Discusses the appropriate response to enemies, based on the biblical narrative of Habakkuk. It explores themes of hatred, persecution, and the human tendency to devalue others. Emphasizes the importance of recognizing the value of all human life, including those who oppose or harm us, aligning with God's perspective on justice and grace.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Emphasizes the importance of relationships with God and others, grounded in Mark 12's greatest commandments. It advocates for engaging the world as Christ's disciples, emphasizing practical ministry over mere task completion. The church seeks to minister hearts through quality interactions, prioritizing a life-transforming relationship with Christ within the community.

From the series: Joy in the Broken

Discusses unity in the church, highlighting the importance of humility and service to others, based on Philippians 2. It encourages maintaining joy and unity through Christ, despite external pressures and conflicts, emphasizing how genuine community and cooperation reflect God's intent for His followers.

From the series: One Another

Discusses the importance of serving others within the Christian community, emphasizing that serving is a demonstration of love and a reflection of God's intentions for human relationships. It argues that service should not be a burdensome duty but a joyful expression of faith, inspired by the freedom that comes from grace.

From the series: One Another

Discusses the essential role of forgiveness in Christian life, emphasizing that forgiveness reflects God's nature and is necessary for maintaining community within the church. It delves into the complexities of forgiveness, outlining its spiritual significance and practical implications, especially how it fosters reconciliation and unity among believers.

From the series: One Another

Highlights the transformative power of God's comfort through community and scripture, especially during hardships. It underscores that Christians should support each other by sharing God's comfort, reflecting its ability to transcend personal afflictions and strengthen communal bonds.

From the series: One Another

Emphasizes the importance of encouragement among believers, rooted in Christ. It details how encouragement should transcend mere positive affirmations, focusing instead on deepening faith, hope, and love through genuine, Christ-centered relationships.

From the series: One Another

Emphasizes the power and necessity of love among believers, as commanded by Jesus. It discusses how love should manifest in everyday interactions within the Christian community, reflecting Christ's love and fostering unity and growth. Love is portrayed not just as an emotion but as an active choice that defines the Christian experience and witness to the world.

From the series: Be Bold

Discusses the detrimental effects of showing favoritism within the Christian community, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts the teachings of Christ. It stresses that genuine faith is reflected in treating all individuals equally, regardless of their social or economic status, reflecting God's unconditional love and the inherent value of every person.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Encourages embracing a life of meaning through personal sacrifice and service, inspired by Jesus Christ. It challenges believers to reject superficial, comfortable lives and instead, follow Christ's example of love and sacrifice for others.

From the series: Bless This Home

Focuses on the importance of being peacemakers as described in Matthew 5:9. It highlights that true peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of good. Encourages believers to address conflicts directly, speak truth in love, handle one issue at a time, confess sins, and practice forgiveness to foster peace in their homes and relationships.

From the series: Standalone Messages

Discusses the critical role of forgiveness in maintaining healthy relationships, especially during the holiday season. It highlights how holding onto anger and resentment harms both relationships and spiritual well-being.

From the series: Living Hope

Addresses enduring suffering with a Christ-like attitude, highlighting how responding to evil with good makes the gospel credible. It encourages us to live righteously, maintain a good conscience, and be ready to defend their faith with gentleness and reverence. Suffering for righteousness is better than suffering for wrongdoing, and through it, believers can reflect Christ’s love and hope, demonstrating the power of the gospel in their lives.

From the series: Living Hope

Emphasizes the importance of submission in various aspects of life, including to governmental authorities, in the workplace, and within the family. It highlights that submission and service are acts of worship that reflect Christ's example. Believers are called to submit not out of fear or rebellion but out of faith and trust in God's sovereignty, demonstrating Christ's love and sacrifice in their interactions with others. This submission leads to unity and showcases the transformative power of the gospel.

From the series: A New Generation

Emphasizes the transformative power of love rooted in a relationship with God. It highlights the importance of understanding and experiencing God's love, which drives out fear and empowers believers to love others genuinely. Underscores that true love is demonstrated through actions and obedience to God's commandments, reflecting the depth of one's faith and connection with Christ.

From the series: A New Generation

Discusses the significance of love in the Christian life. It emphasizes that love originates from God and that believers are called to love one another as a reflection of God's love. Highlights the transformative power of love, the importance of community, and the need to demonstrate love through actions. It encourages believers to look to Jesus as the ultimate example of love and to live out this love in their daily interactions with others.

From the series: A New Generation

Emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands as evidence of knowing Him. It highlights the relationship between loving God, walking in the light, and loving others. Believers are encouraged to reflect Christ's love by obeying His teachings and demonstrating genuine love for fellow believers, thereby living out their faith authentically.

From the series: The Right & Wrong Way

Reflects on the importance of keeping a sincere, passionate relationship with Christ rather than falling into routine and ritualistic behaviors. It compares the early church in Ephesus, which started strong but later lost its first love for Christ, with Paul’s example of relentless pursuit of Christ above all else.

From the series: Jonah

Explores the story of Jonah, focusing on the prophet's reluctance to obey God's command to preach to Nineveh. Despite Jonah's eventual compliance, his heart remains prideful and self-righteous, as shown in his anger when God spares Nineveh. Highlights the dangers of self-righteousness, emphasizing that God's grace is undeserved and available to all, not just those who believe they are superior. It calls for humility, compassion, and understanding of God's boundless mercy.

From the series: Building One Brick at a Time

Explores the theme of passion and influence in leadership. It emphasizes that while many people have passion, not everyone uses it to influence others positively. Nehemiah is presented as an example of a leader whose passion for rebuilding Jerusalem influenced the people around him.

From the series: Focused

Emphasizes the importance of loving God and loving others as the central purpose of the church. Using the metaphor of a baseball diamond, it illustrates how believers must start with a relationship with God ("first base") and progress to loving others within the church and the world ("second and third base").

It is more blessed to give than to receive. What might change if we truly believed the words of Jesus and lived generously because of them?

Forgiveness heals; unforgiveness poisons the soul. Why forgiving others is such a battle, and how Scripture helps us actually fight it.

Few wounds cut like betrayal from someone you love. An honest look at the hurt we carry and the God who cares about the condition of our hearts.

Our culture keeps relationships at arm's length. Looking to Jesus, two words, intentional and relational, can reshape how we love our neighbors.

We know Christians are supposed to be compassionate, but do we know why? A look at what compassion really is and where it comes from.

Love covers a multitude of sins. A devotion on 1 Peter 4 and a love that serves, welcomes, and stewards our gifts for one another.

We show our love for God by how we love each other. Reflections from the One Another commands on the kind of community God calls us to.

Martha stayed busy while Mary sat at Jesus' feet. The story of Luke 10 reminds us the fullest life is the one centered on time with Him.

Peter left his nets to follow Jesus, then drifted back to them after the cross. His story shows how a cooling faith can be rekindled.

Healthy relationships can be hard to keep healthy. Biblical help for working through the conflicts that strain the people we care about most.