Trent's weekly muse 16th Sept - Non-Negotiable Love
If I was asked what the word of the Lord was for the church (globally) right now I would say that it was relationship. This last week I have received several emails from other leaders saying that this is something God has really being highlighting to them and I also have received newsletters this week (including 2 just this morning) speaking of the absolute need for the church to again to discover the reality of biblical relationships. The very essence of the church, and its call, is that of relationship.
I am sure no one sets out to have bad relationships – we all want to succeed in every relationship, whether it is at home, at work amongst our friends. We want to do well in relationship. But I think it is also the scariest thing for us to undertake because the reality is that for me to have a good relationship with you I have to let you inside my world. And honestly that really scares me
- what if you don’t like what you find inside me (it’s all I got) ?
- what if you hurt me?
- what if you want to control me?
- what if you don’t value what is in there.(it’s my precious)?
It makes it all so, so scary. I think this is what Jesus talks about when he says that we have to die to ourselves daily. It is a challenge for each of us but I believe that it is the only way we can live our lives.
Last week in my muse I shared with you Eight Relational Values. Over the next few weeks I would like to flush each of those out a little more in the Muse.(see below)
THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK: Relational Value one: Non-Negotiable Love
Value Statement:
Non-negotiable love is being the best expression of Christ to another human being. Putting love first and last in every situation keeps us in the abiding Presence of God. Non-negotiable love can heal and seal every problem that may occur in any relationship.
John 15:9; Romans 12:10; Colossians 3:12-17; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13; 1 Peter 4:8; Matthew 5:21-24.
Review the story of David and Jonathan. 1 Samuel 18 & 20.
There is nothing we can do to make God love us more and there is nothing we can do that would make Him love us less! His love is based on who He is within Himself, not on our performance. He is consistent and faithful in how He loves us. His love is never on the negotiating table when we are in sin or conflict with Him.
How can we be anything less for each other?
His love enables us to be true to one another when we have difficulties. Keeping His way of loving in the forefront of our minds in times of complexity helps us to be true to others.
• Love means being patient and expressing kindness.
• Love does not remember slights, hold grudges or recall bad history.
• Love is unselfish and thoughtful.
• Loving people, bearing things and believing the best of others.
• Truly forgiving and forgetting is the hallmark of God’s love in us.
• Love is not provoked and foregoes vengeance.
• Love never fails.
• Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.
• Love is an action not just a word.
• Real love allows people to change.
Galatians 5:1 tell us that we have been made totally and utterly free. Paul goes on in Gal 5:13 “ use your freedom to serve one another in love. 14 For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbour as yourself.”
God has called us to live a life of power, love and self-control which enables us to live a life with our love turned on toward everyone we encounter. This is the foundational for living a life that releases heaven on earth
ACTION step:
Think of someone that you can take the time to speak a word of encouragement and blessing into their life this week.
Take time to thoughtfully upgrade your love with the people around you.
Trent Hodson (Senior Leader)