Embracing Generosity: Love Beyond Differences

Devotional

Day 1: Embodying Justice, Mercy, and Humility

In a world filled with challenges and divisions, embodying justice, mercy, and humility is not just an aspiration but a calling for those who follow Jesus. These virtues are foundational to our faith, guiding us in our interactions with others and shaping our character. Justice calls us to act fairly and stand up for what is right, mercy invites us to show compassion and kindness, and humility reminds us to walk humbly with God, acknowledging our dependence on Him. These qualities are especially crucial during times of political and social tension, where it is easy to retreat into echo chambers and forget our higher calling. By living out these virtues, we reflect the heart of God and become agents of change in our communities. [02:24]

"He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" (Micah 6:8, ESV)

Reflection: In what specific ways can you act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly in your daily interactions this week?

Day 2: Unity in Diversity

Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives are not obstacles but opportunities to demonstrate the power of unity in Christ. In a world that often highlights differences as sources of division, the church is called to be a beacon of unity. Embracing diversity within the church community allows us to learn from one another and grow in our understanding of God's multifaceted creation. It is through this diversity that we can truly reflect the body of Christ, each member contributing uniquely to the whole. By valuing and celebrating our differences, we show the world that our commitment to Christ transcends cultural, social, and political divides. [10:44]

"For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ." (1 Corinthians 12:12, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively embrace and celebrate the diversity within your church community this week?

Day 3: Loving Beyond Agreement

Jesus calls us to love one another unconditionally, even when we disagree. This love is not contingent on shared views but is a reflection of the love Jesus showed to us. In a world where disagreements often lead to division, the church is called to model a different way—one where love transcends differences. Jesus exemplified this by loving those who were different from Him, and He empowers us to do the same through His Spirit. By choosing to love beyond agreement, we demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel and invite others to experience the love of Christ. [10:04]

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." (Luke 6:27-28, ESV)

Reflection: Think of someone you disagree with. How can you show them unconditional love this week, following Jesus' example?

Day 4: Reflecting God's Generosity

Our generosity should mirror God's generosity to us. By giving without expecting anything in return, we can make a significant impact in our communities and reflect the love of Christ. The Be Rich campaign is an opportunity to practice extravagant generosity, supporting organizations that address critical needs such as hunger, foster care, and human trafficking. This kind of giving is not just about financial contributions but also about offering our time, talents, and resources to serve others. As we give generously, we become conduits of God's love and grace, bringing hope and transformation to those in need. [31:32]

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." (2 Corinthians 9:7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one way you can practice extravagant generosity this week, reflecting God's love to those around you?

Day 5: Faith in Action through Be Rich

The Be Rich campaign is an opportunity for us to come together and make a tangible difference in the world. By participating, we demonstrate our faith in action and show that everyone matters to God. This initiative is not just about giving but about embodying the love of Christ in practical ways. As we engage in acts of service and generosity, we become the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing light and hope to those in need. The Be Rich campaign reminds us that our devotion to God is best demonstrated through our love for others, and it challenges us to live out our faith in meaningful ways. [18:41]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: How can you actively participate in the Be Rich campaign this week, using your unique gifts and resources to make a difference?

Sermon Summary

In 2007, a movement began in our church that has since spread across the world, a movement of generosity and hope that continues to this day. This movement, known as "Be Rich," is a call for us to come together to give, serve, and love our community. The foundation of this movement is rooted in the timeless wisdom of the prophet Micah, who wrote, "To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." These principles of justice, mercy, and humility are not just ideals to admire in others but are essential qualities we are called to embody as followers of Jesus.

In today's world, especially during political seasons, it can be tempting to set aside these values and retreat into our own echo chambers. However, as a diverse church community, we are called to rise above our differences and demonstrate a love that transcends political, cultural, and social divides. Our diversity is not a hindrance but an advantage, highlighting our commitment to something greater than ourselves—our shared faith in Jesus.

Jesus exemplified this by loving those who were different from Him, and He calls us to do the same. We can disagree politically and still love unconditionally because Jesus did it, and His Spirit empowers us to follow His example. This is the essence of the Be Rich campaign: to show extravagant generosity as a reflection of God's extravagant love for us. By participating in Be Rich, we have the opportunity to make a tangible impact in our communities and around the world, supporting organizations that address critical needs such as hunger, foster care, and human trafficking.

As we embark on this year's Be Rich campaign, let us remember that our devotion to God is best demonstrated through our love for others. By coming together, regardless of our differences, we can shine a light that reflects the love of Christ and brings hope to those in need.

Key Takeaways

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2. Diversity as Strength: Our diverse backgrounds and perspectives are not obstacles but opportunities to demonstrate the power of unity in Christ. By embracing our differences, we can highlight our commitment to something greater than ourselves.

3. Love Beyond Agreement: Jesus calls us to love one another unconditionally, even when we disagree. This love is not contingent on shared views but is a reflection of the love Jesus showed to us.

4. Extravagant Generosity: Our generosity should mirror God's generosity to us. By giving without expecting anything in return, we can make a significant impact in our communities and reflect the love of Christ.

5. Be Rich Campaign: This initiative is an opportunity for us to come together and make a tangible difference in the world. By participating, we demonstrate our faith in action and show that everyone matters to God.

** [02:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:12] - A Movement Begins
[00:35] - Unleashing Generosity
[01:17] - Timeless Wisdom of Micah
[02:08] - What God Requires
[03:02] - Political Seasons and Challenges
[04:34] - Diversity in Our Church
[05:58] - Understanding Political Disagreement
[07:17] - Jesus' Example of Love
[09:04] - Disagreeing and Loving Unconditionally
[10:29] - Tension as an Advantage
[11:35] - The Power of Unity
[18:21] - Importance of Be Rich Campaign
[21:04] - Impact of Generosity
[31:32] - Extravagant Generosity
[37:55] - Call to Action: Be Rich

Sermon Clips

"He writes, 'He,' talking about God, 'He has shown you, O mortal,' that's the new translation. You know, it's more of a Gandalf thing. You know, think Gandalf a little bit, I don't know. Anyway, 'He has shown you, O mortal,' God has, 'What is good.' That God has made it evident to most of humanity what is good. And what the Lord, what God, requires of you. In other words, God has made it evident, good from bad, and right from wrong, and God has made it evident what God wants from me and what God wants from you." [00:01:41]

"Justice, mercy, humility, these are things we like in other people. We all wanna be treated with justice, and we all wanna be shown mercy when we get something we don't deserve. That's a good thing, like, 'I don't really deserve that yet, but I'm gonna get it.' We all wanna receive mercy and we love humble people. We don't like prideful people, we resist prideful people. We're attracted to humility. I mean, humility is the key to a great relationship." [00:02:44]

"Now, it seems like in a political season, even those of us who are people of faith, especially Christians, but really any faith tradition or any tradition that values other people, it's like we've given ourselves permission or somebody has given us permission to pretty much put justice and mercy and humility on hold. And maybe we'll bring it back during Christmas, but in the meantime, we can just run to our different corners and kinda be our own selfish selves, and get in our echo chambers and just listen to what we want to." [00:03:50]

"The truth is political disagreement in particular, but the same is true for cultural things and societal things, but political disagreement is usually fueled by, in fact, it's almost always fueled by divergent life experiences, not low IQ. Because you think people who don't see the world the same way you do, you just don't think there is smart as you. That is incorrect. Neither is it fueled by a lack of character, okay?" [00:05:50]

"We are called, you know this, to love one another, even when we don't agree with one another. Justice, mercy, humility, these are baked in to what it means to follow Jesus. And we talk about this all the time, if you wanna know what Jesus' brand of justice looks like, acts like, and reacts like; if you wanna know what Jesus' brand of mercy acts like and reacts like; if you wanna know what Jesus' brand of humility looks like, and sounds like, acts like, and reacts like; you just follow Jesus through the gospels." [00:08:03]

"Jesus disagreed with every single person He ever met about most things. Jesus disagreed with every single person He ever encountered about most things. If having a similar or, you know, a worldview that lined up with Jesus was, you know, that's what His relationships were contingent upon, He would've had no relationships. If Jesus had run to his echo chamber where He only heard the things He wanted to hear, He would've been the only one in there." [00:08:52]

"So apparently, it's possible, as we say around here, we can actually disagree socially, culturally, and even politically. We can disagree politically and love one another unconditionally because Jesus did it, and He's called us to follow him, and His spirit lives inside of us. The question is, the question is, will we? And not we, will I, and will you?" [00:10:04]

"Because if we will let it, and this is why what we're doing in these next few weeks is so important, if we will allow it to, our differences will underscore our commitment to something that transcends politics, that transcends social issues, even the most important social issues, and transcends cultural diversity, and the tension that we find in our culture. Because if we use this tension the way we've been called to use it, it will underscore and highlight our commitment to our savior, Jesus." [00:10:46]

"Because getting along with people who are just like you is not amazing. You don't get any credit for that. Sarah's amazing, she loves all of her friends. Ben is amazing, he gets along with everybody. Who sees the world the way he does? That's amazing. That's not amazing, that's just normal, right? That's expected. That's why Jesus made this famous statement. He said, 'If you love those who love you, what reward will you get?'" [00:11:38]

"Jesus was so clear, devotion to God, devotion to God isn't best demonstrated in my internal intangible prayer life and church attendance. Jesus was so clear, Devotion to God is best demonstrated and authenticated through love for other people. Aren't you glad if you're a Christian, that God just didn't stop with feeling loving feelings about you? That would've done nothing for your sin or your life." [00:30:51]

"That extravagant generosity, extravagant generosity, is the appropriate response to God's extravagant generosity to me, and to you, and to the world. No strings attached generosity. This was so new in the Roman Empire. No strings attached generosity rocked the Roman Empire. It is what ultimately got the attention of the Roman Empire. When the church began to send out and to multiply these people who just, they were just good for nothing." [00:31:37]

"So once again, come on, let's show our communities that our faith is more than just sermons and songs. Let's be the hands and feet of Jesus in such a way that regardless of where we stand politically, culturally, regardless of our background, that there is something that brings us together that has the power to change, practically every single day, to change lives. Because God, through Christ, changed our lives." [00:36:31]

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