Choosing Love and Forgiveness Amidst Hurt
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound and transformative power of love, especially in the face of hurt and betrayal. We began by reflecting on various quotes about love, highlighting its multifaceted nature and its ability to transcend circumstances. The story of Satchel Paige, a legendary baseball player who faced immense racial discrimination, served as a powerful illustration of resilience and the choice to love despite adversity. Paige's philosophy, "Love like you've never been hurt," challenges us to rise above our pain and extend grace to those who have wronged us.
We delved into biblical examples, such as Joseph, who chose forgiveness over revenge when confronted by his brothers who had sold him into slavery. Joseph's story reminds us that what others intend for harm, God can use for good. Similarly, David's life was marked by betrayal and hurt, yet he consistently chose love and forgiveness, demonstrating a heart aligned with God's will.
The sermon emphasized that forgiveness is not an emotion but a deliberate choice. Like ketchup slowly coming out of a bottle, forgiveness often takes time and requires a conscious decision to let go of bitterness. We were reminded that our words, like nitroglycerin, have the power to either destroy or heal relationships. Therefore, we must choose our words carefully and strive to build bridges rather than tear them down.
As we approach the holiday season, a time often filled with family gatherings and potential conflicts, we are called to love like we've never been hurt. This means forgiving those who have wronged us and choosing to see them through the lens of grace. In doing so, we align ourselves with the example of Jesus, who, despite being betrayed and crucified, chose to forgive and love unconditionally.
Key Takeaways:
- Love transcends circumstances: Love is not just a feeling but a choice to rise above hurt and extend grace. Satchel Paige's story exemplifies how love can be a powerful response to adversity, challenging us to love like we've never been hurt. [37:57]
- Forgiveness is a choice: Forgiveness is not an emotion but a deliberate decision to let go of bitterness. Like ketchup coming out of a bottle, it often takes time and requires a conscious effort to release the hurt. [50:26]
- Words have power: Our words can either destroy or heal relationships. Like nitroglycerin, they can blow things up or calm them down. We must choose our words carefully and strive to build bridges rather than tear them down. [48:41]
- Embrace scars as testimonies: Scars are not something to be ashamed of but are testimonies of God's healing power. They show that we have overcome adversity and that God has won the victory in our lives. [55:27]
- Love unconditionally: Jesus' love was extravagant and unconditional. He forgave those who crucified Him and loved them despite their actions. We are called to follow His example and love others like we've never been hurt. [57:14]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:30] - Reflections on Love
[05:00] - Satchel Paige's Story
[10:00] - Facing Discrimination
[15:00] - Love Like You've Never Been Hurt
[20:00] - Biblical Examples of Forgiveness
[25:00] - Joseph's Choice
[30:00] - David's Heart
[35:00] - The Power of Forgiveness
[40:00] - Words as Nitroglycerin
[45:00] - Embracing Scars
[50:00] - Jesus' Unconditional Love
[55:00] - Call to Forgive
[58:00] - Prayer and Reflection
[01:01:00] - Invitation to Accept Christ
[01:04:00] - Announcements and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 50:20 - "But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive."
2. Luke 17:1 - "It is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come!"
3. Job 1:21 - "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was Satchel Paige's philosophy on love, and how did it relate to his experiences with racial discrimination? [38:44]
2. How did Joseph respond to his brothers when he had the power to take revenge? What does this reveal about his character? [40:51]
3. What analogy was used in the sermon to describe the process of forgiveness, and how does it relate to our everyday experiences? [51:09]
4. How did Jesus demonstrate love and forgiveness during His crucifixion, according to the sermon? [56:31]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Joseph illustrate the concept that God can use what others intend for harm for good? [40:51]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that forgiveness is a choice rather than an emotion? How does this perspective challenge common views on forgiveness? [51:09]
3. How can the analogy of words being like nitroglycerin help us understand the impact of our speech on relationships? [48:41]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of scars as testimonies of God's healing power? How can this perspective change the way we view our past hurts? [55:27]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you were hurt by someone close to you. How can you apply the principle of "loving like you've never been hurt" in that situation? [38:44]
2. Consider a relationship in your life where forgiveness is needed. What steps can you take this week to begin the process of forgiveness, even if it takes time? [51:09]
3. Identify a situation where your words might have caused harm. How can you use your speech to build bridges and heal relationships instead? [48:41]
4. Think about a scar in your life, whether physical or emotional. How can you view it as a testimony of God's healing and victory? [55:27]
5. As the holiday season approaches, what practical steps can you take to extend grace and love to family members with whom you have conflicts? [57:53]
6. How can you emulate Jesus' example of unconditional love in your daily interactions, especially with those who have wronged you? [56:31]
7. What is one specific action you can take this week to demonstrate love and forgiveness in a challenging relationship? [57:14]
Devotional
Day 1: Love as a Deliberate Choice
Love is not just an emotion but a conscious decision to rise above hurt and extend grace. Satchel Paige's story exemplifies how love can be a powerful response to adversity, challenging us to love like we've never been hurt. [37:57]
In the face of adversity, love can be a transformative force. It is not merely a feeling that comes and goes but a deliberate choice to act with grace and compassion, even when circumstances are challenging. The story of Satchel Paige, a legendary baseball player who faced racial discrimination, illustrates this beautifully. Despite the prejudice he encountered, Paige chose to love and forgive, embodying the philosophy of "Love like you've never been hurt." This approach challenges individuals to rise above their pain and extend grace to those who have wronged them, demonstrating the profound power of love to transcend circumstances.
This concept is further supported by biblical examples, such as Joseph, who forgave his brothers despite their betrayal. Joseph's story reminds us that what others intend for harm, God can use for good. By choosing love and forgiveness, we align ourselves with a higher purpose and open the door to healing and reconciliation. As we navigate our own lives, we are encouraged to embrace love as a deliberate choice, allowing it to guide our actions and interactions with others.
Genesis 50:20 (ESV): "As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today."
Reflection: Think of a situation where you have been hurt. How can you choose to respond with love and grace today?
Day 2: The Slow Process of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not an emotion but a deliberate decision to let go of bitterness. Like ketchup coming out of a bottle, it often takes time and requires a conscious effort to release the hurt. [50:26]
Forgiveness is a journey that requires patience and intentionality. It is not an automatic response but a conscious decision to let go of bitterness and resentment. The process of forgiveness can be likened to ketchup slowly coming out of a bottle; it takes time and effort to release the hurt and move towards healing. This deliberate choice to forgive is essential for personal growth and the restoration of relationships.
In the Bible, we see examples of individuals who chose forgiveness over revenge, such as Joseph and David. These stories remind us that forgiveness is not about condoning the actions of others but about freeing ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. By choosing to forgive, we open ourselves to the possibility of reconciliation and peace, allowing God's grace to work in our lives and the lives of those around us.
Colossians 3:13 (ESV): "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Is there someone you need to forgive? What steps can you take today to begin the process of letting go of bitterness?
Day 3: The Power of Words
Our words can either destroy or heal relationships. Like nitroglycerin, they can blow things up or calm them down. We must choose our words carefully and strive to build bridges rather than tear them down. [48:41]
Words hold immense power in shaping our relationships and interactions with others. They can either build bridges or create barriers, depending on how they are used. Like nitroglycerin, words have the potential to either destroy or heal, making it crucial for individuals to choose their words carefully. By being mindful of the impact of our words, we can foster understanding, compassion, and reconciliation in our relationships.
The Bible emphasizes the importance of using words wisely, encouraging believers to speak with kindness and grace. By doing so, we can create an environment of trust and support, where relationships can thrive. As we navigate our daily interactions, we are called to be intentional with our words, using them to uplift and encourage others rather than tear them down.
Proverbs 15:4 (ESV): "A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on your recent conversations. How can you use your words to build bridges and promote healing in your relationships today?
Day 4: Embracing Scars as Testimonies
Scars are not something to be ashamed of but are testimonies of God's healing power. They show that we have overcome adversity and that God has won the victory in our lives. [55:27]
Scars, both physical and emotional, are often seen as reminders of past pain and suffering. However, they can also be powerful testimonies of God's healing and transformative power in our lives. Rather than being ashamed of our scars, we can embrace them as evidence of the victories we have achieved through God's grace and strength. These marks of resilience serve as reminders of the challenges we have overcome and the growth we have experienced.
In the Bible, we see examples of individuals who bore scars as a testament to their faith and perseverance. These stories encourage us to view our own scars as symbols of hope and healing, rather than sources of shame. By embracing our scars, we can inspire others with our stories of triumph and demonstrate the power of God's love and grace in our lives.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What scars do you carry, and how can you view them as testimonies of God's healing and grace in your life?
Day 5: Following Jesus' Example of Unconditional Love
Jesus' love was extravagant and unconditional. He forgave those who crucified Him and loved them despite their actions. We are called to follow His example and love others like we've never been hurt. [57:14]
The love of Jesus is characterized by its extravagance and unconditional nature. Despite being betrayed and crucified, Jesus chose to forgive and love those who wronged Him, setting a powerful example for all believers to follow. This radical love challenges individuals to extend grace and compassion to others, regardless of their actions or circumstances. By loving like we've never been hurt, we align ourselves with the heart of Christ and embody His teachings in our daily lives.
The call to love unconditionally is not an easy one, but it is essential for fostering genuine relationships and reflecting the love of Christ to the world. As we strive to follow Jesus' example, we are reminded of the transformative power of love to heal wounds, bridge divides, and bring about reconciliation. By choosing to love others with the same grace and compassion that Jesus demonstrated, we can make a profound impact on the lives of those around us.
1 John 4:19-21 (ESV): "We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, 'I love God,' and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen. And this commandment we have from him: whoever loves God must also love his brother."
Reflection: How can you follow Jesus' example of unconditional love in your interactions with others today? What steps can you take to love like you've never been hurt?
Quotes
"Sometimes people you love the most will hurt you the deepest. Jesus said in Luke 17:1, he said it is impossible that no offenses should come, but woe to him through whom they do come. At some point, you're going to have conflict with someone that you love, and you're going to have conflict with someone that you deeply, deeply love. And you know that already because it's happened to you. Aren't you glad you came to church today for this uplifting message?" [00:36:51] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Well, you and I need to rise up. I believe that God has a special, special thing for his believers to do, and that is to rise up and to love like we've never been hurt. Would you agree with that? Love. Say that again. Love like you've never been hurt. Think of Joseph. You know, his own brothers threw him in a pit to die. And then they just instead of that, they decided to go ahead and sell him and get some money." [00:39:01] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Part of Joseph's dialogue with his brothers included this, one of the oldest quoted verses in the Bible, Genesis 50, and you know this. But as for you, he's talking to his brothers, but as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. In order to bring it about as it is in this day, to save many people alive. But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good. Amen? That's what Satan does, that's what his brothers did." [00:41:04] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"You and I have to decide that we are not going to get bitter. We are not going to get angry when someone hurts us deeply. Doesn't matter what you do to me, I'm going to love you like I've never been hurt before. Job, he lost ten children in one day. In fact, he lost everything he had in one day. His wife said, kill yourself." [00:42:41] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Forgiveness is a choice and loving like you've never been hurt is a choice. You know the body of Christ is full of parents who are estranged from their own children. I've heard this many times: hey Carl, I haven't spoken to my child in a year. You know, I just, I just don't get along with them or this: we live in the same city and I have yet to see my grandchild who was born six months ago." [00:45:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Nitroglycerin has two uses. We know what nitroglycerin is, right? Nitroglycerin has two uses. It blows up things, and if you put it under your tongue, it'll calm your heart. So nitroglycerin blows up bridges, and calms your heart. Did you know that your words and my words are like nitroglycerin? When they come flying out of our mouth, they can blow relationships up, or they can calm relationships down." [00:48:50] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"First, you have to make the decision to forgive, right? And then you have to allow it to happen slowly. And I brought something for you. Just a little visual. And before service, before service, my plan was to have a bottle of ketchup. So my illustration was completely messed up about an hour ago. There is no such thing as Heinz ketchup in a bottle anymore. Found that out. Anyway, so I got Heinz ketchup in a squeeze bottle." [00:51:40] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"If you have scars in your life from hurt, there's no reason to be scared. Scared of them, and there's no reason to be ashamed of them. Because scars show, it's like a testimony of God's ability to heal hurts. If you've got scars, then you know for a fact that God has healed that hurt. And they're also proof that the enemy tried as hard as he could to destroy you, but God won out, and God won the victory, and that's why you have a scar, because God won." [00:55:27] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Jesus loved like he'd never been hurt. Jesus loves like he's never been hurt. He loves us like we've never hurt him. He loves us like we've never failed. Jesus loves us like we've never lied to him. He loves us even with bad motives. Jesus loves us like he's never been hurt. And you know, on the cross, Jesus is love. It wasn't cautious, was it? His love was extravagant." [00:57:14] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Father, we just give these people to you right now. Lord, help us to forgive. Help us to make the choice to forgive. Help us, Lord, to make the choice to love like we've never been hurt. If you're here today and you don't know Jesus as your Savior, today you have a chance to do that." [01:00:32] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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