Embracing Community: Love, Forgiveness, and Joy
Summary
Today’s focus is on the heart of Christian community: embracing others as family, extending radical forgiveness, and letting joy be the light that shines from our lives into a world marked by loneliness and despair. God has called us to be a lighthouse, a place where people—no matter their background, their wounds, or their differences—can find belonging, acceptance, and restoration. This means moving beyond our comfort zones, our familiar groups, and our “tribes,” to intentionally include those who feel like outsiders. The challenge is to see every person as an image-bearer of God, someone who is, in a very real sense, part of our family.
Jesus modeled this inclusivity in the way He chose His disciples. Among the twelve were Matthew, a tax collector working for the oppressive Roman regime, and Simon the Zealot, who was actively working against Rome. These two would have been natural enemies, yet Jesus called them both into His inner circle. This is a powerful reminder that God’s family is not built on sameness, but on His love that bridges every divide.
Forgiveness is at the core of this family dynamic. Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant shows us that we are called to forgive as we have been forgiven—freely, repeatedly, and from the heart. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrong or putting ourselves in harm’s way, but about releasing bitterness and choosing to bless even those who have hurt us. This is not easy, and it’s not a one-time act, but a continual practice that keeps our hearts open to God’s joy.
True joy is not just a feeling; it’s the fruit of living in right relationship with God and others. When we love our neighbor as ourselves, when we welcome the stranger, when we forgive those who have wronged us, we become conduits of God’s joy and light. This is the kind of love that covers a multitude of sins, that casts out fear, and that draws people into the family of God.
As we prepare for what God wants to do in our church and community, let’s be intentional about making room for others, thinking about how every decision affects those who are new or on the margins. Let’s be a family where everyone belongs, where love is not just spoken but demonstrated, and where joy is the unmistakable light that points people to Jesus.
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Key Takeaways
- Radical Inclusion Reflects God’s Heart
Jesus intentionally brought together people with opposing backgrounds and beliefs—like Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot—demonstrating that God’s family is not about uniformity but about love that transcends differences. We are called to break out of our comfortable circles and welcome those who feel like outsiders, recognizing that every person is an image-bearer of God and part of our extended family. [19:10]
- Forgiveness Is a Continual, Transforming Practice
Forgiveness is not a one-time event or a denial of wrongs done; it is a decision to release bitterness and choose blessing over resentment. Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant warns us that withholding forgiveness imprisons us spiritually, while extending it sets us free to experience God’s joy. This kind of forgiveness may need to be practiced repeatedly, especially when the wounds are deep, but it is essential for our own spiritual health. [26:11]
- Love Is the Mark of True Discipleship
Jesus said that the world would know we are His followers by our love for one another. This love is not sentimental or selective; it is practical, sacrificial, and extends even to those who disagree with us or have hurt us. Loving our neighbor as ourselves means seeking their good, praying for them, and sometimes loving from a distance when necessary for safety or healing. [44:07]
- Joy Shines Brightest in a Welcoming Community
Joy is not just a personal feeling but a communal reality that grows when we create spaces of belonging and acceptance. When we intentionally include others, especially those who are lonely or marginalized, we become a beacon of hope in a world marked by despair. This kind of joy is contagious and is the light that God wants to shine from our church into our community. [41:36]
- Family Means Responsibility and Openness
Being part of God’s family comes with the responsibility to make room for others, to think about how our actions and decisions affect newcomers, and to create an environment where everyone can belong. This requires humility, intentionality, and a willingness to let go of “us versus them” thinking. As we do this, we reflect the heart of the Father and prepare ourselves for the new people God is bringing into our midst. [51:56]
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Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Introduction: Joy as the Light
[04:10] - The Spirit of Despair and the Call to Joy
[07:45] - Church as a Lighthouse: What Is Our Light?
[10:30] - The Challenge of Growth: Moving Beyond Familiar Circles
[14:20] - Lessons from Church Elections: The Need for Inclusion
[19:10] - Jesus’ Diverse Disciples: Radical Inclusion
[26:11] - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
[31:29] - The Cost of Bitterness: A Family Story
[34:12] - Jesus’ Teaching on Reconciliation
[37:04] - Practicing Forgiveness in Real Life
[41:36] - Joy and Love as the Light to the Community
[44:07] - Loving Those Who Are Different
[48:52] - The Coffee Bean Analogy: Image Bearers of God
[51:56] - Family Responsibilities and Welcoming Others
[54:08] - Announcing Pastor’s Table: Discipleship and Mentoring
[57:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
[57:59] - Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “They Are Us”
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### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 10:2-4 (ESV)
> These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
2. Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV) – The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
> Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
> ...
> So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
3. John 13:34-35 (ESV)
> A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
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### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 10:2-4, what stands out about the backgrounds of the disciples Jesus chose? What is surprising about Matthew the tax collector and Simon the Zealot being in the same group?
2. According to the parable in Matthew 18:21-35, what was the difference between how the master treated his servant and how the servant treated his fellow servant?
3. In the sermon, what are some practical ways the pastor described that people can feel like outsiders in a church or group? [[14:20]]
4. What does Jesus say will show the world that we are his disciples, according to John 13:34-35?
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus intentionally chose disciples who would have been natural enemies, like Matthew and Simon? What does this say about the kind of community Jesus wants? [[19:10]]
2. The parable of the unforgiving servant ends with a warning from Jesus. What does this teach us about the seriousness of forgiveness in God’s family? [[26:11]]
3. The pastor shared a story about someone who was hurt and struggled to forgive. Why is forgiveness described as a continual practice, not a one-time event? [[39:05]]
4. The sermon talks about “joy shining brightest in a welcoming community.” How does including outsiders and practicing forgiveness help a church become a place of joy? [[41:36]]
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### Application Questions
1. Think about your own “tribe” or group of friends at church or in life. Is there someone you’ve noticed who might feel like an outsider? What is one specific thing you could do this week to help them feel included? [[14:20]]
2. The pastor said, “We have to love our neighbor the way we love us, the way we love this family.” Is there someone in your life who is hard for you to love? What would it look like to love them as family, even if you disagree with them? [[42:37]]
3. Forgiveness is described as releasing bitterness and choosing to bless those who have hurt us. Is there someone you need to forgive, even if it’s just in your heart? What is one step you can take toward that this week? [[39:05]]
4. The sermon mentioned that forgiveness doesn’t mean putting yourself in harm’s way or excusing wrong. How can you set healthy boundaries while still practicing forgiveness and love? [[44:07]]
5. The pastor challenged the church to think about how every decision affects newcomers or those on the margins. Is there a church activity or habit you’re part of that could be more welcoming? What could you do to help make it more inclusive? [[51:56]]
6. Joy is described as the light that shines from a welcoming community. When have you experienced real joy in Christian community? What made that experience different from other times? [[41:36]]
7. The pastor shared about “family responsibilities” in God’s family. What is one responsibility you feel called to take on in this season to help others feel like they belong? [[51:56]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you see others as family, to give you the courage to forgive, and to fill your group with joy that overflows to everyone who comes in.
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Radical Inclusion—They Are Us
Jesus intentionally chose a diverse group of disciples, including those with opposing backgrounds and beliefs, to model that the family of God is made up of all kinds of people. This challenges us to break out of our comfortable circles and see every person as someone who belongs, regardless of their past, status, or opinions. When we open our hearts and our church to those who are different, we reflect the heart of Christ, who saw beyond labels and welcomed everyone into His family. The call is to move from an “us vs. them” mentality to a “they are us” mindset, recognizing that every person is an image-bearer of God and worthy of love and belonging. [20:55]
Matthew 10:2-4 (ESV)
These are the names of the twelve apostles: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.
Reflection: Who in your life or community do you tend to see as an “outsider”? What is one practical step you can take this week to include them and show them they belong?
Day 2: Forgiveness as a Pathway to Joy
Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongs or staying in harmful situations, but about releasing bitterness and choosing mercy, just as God has shown us mercy beyond measure. Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant reminds us that we have been forgiven an unpayable debt, and we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others, freeing ourselves from the poison of resentment. True forgiveness is a decision to let go, to bless rather than curse, and to allow God’s joy to fill the space where bitterness once lived. This is not always easy, but it is essential for our own spiritual health and for the unity of the family of God. [26:11]
Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV)
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Reflection: Is there someone you are struggling to forgive? Ask God to help you release them and pray a blessing over them today, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet.
Day 3: Love Your Neighbor as Yourself—No Exceptions
The command to love your neighbor as yourself is not limited to those who look, think, or act like us; it extends to every person, even those we disagree with or find difficult. Loving others means seeing them as God sees them, with compassion and grace, and choosing to act in love regardless of their response. This kind of love is not always comfortable, but it is the mark of true discipleship and the light that draws people to Christ. When we love without conditions, we become a family where everyone can belong, and the joy of the Lord becomes visible in our community. [44:07]
Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)
And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Reflection: Who is the hardest person for you to love right now? What is one way you can show them Christ’s love this week, even if it’s from a distance?
Day 4: Practicing Compassion and Reconciliation
Compassion is not just a feeling but an action—choosing to reach out, to pray for, and to bless those who have hurt us or who are different from us. Reconciliation may not always mean restored relationship, but it does mean letting go of the desire for revenge and seeking peace as far as it depends on you. When we practice compassion, we reflect the heart of Jesus, who forgave, restored, and welcomed even those who betrayed or misunderstood Him. This is how we prepare ourselves to be a true family of God, ready to welcome anyone He brings through our doors. [40:01]
Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 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. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.
Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs healing. What is one step you can take today to move toward compassion or reconciliation, even if it’s just in your prayers?
Day 5: Joy as the Light—Letting Love Shine in Community
Joy is not just a feeling but a light that shines when we love, include, and serve others as Christ did. When we make every effort to welcome newcomers, break out of our cliques, and think about how our actions affect others, we become a true family where people experience the love of God. This kind of joy is contagious and transformative—it draws the lonely, the searching, and even the resistant into the embrace of God’s family. Let us be intentional in making our church and our lives a place where everyone knows they are seen, valued, and loved. [49:36]
John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.
Reflection: As you gather with others this week, how can you intentionally reach out to someone new or on the margins to make them feel truly at home?
Quotes
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