Fierce Love: Transforming Relationships for a Better Year

Devotional

Day 1: Intentionality in Relationships

Building strong relationships requires intentional effort. Whether it's with a spouse, friend, or coworker, we must actively choose to invest time and energy into these connections. This intentionality mirrors God's commitment to us and can lead to our best year yet. Intentional relationships are not just about spending time together but about being present and engaged, listening actively, and showing genuine interest in the other person's life. By doing so, we reflect the love and commitment that God shows us, creating a foundation for relationships that can thrive and grow. [14:20]

"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a relationship in your life that needs more intentionality. What specific steps can you take this week to invest in that relationship?

Day 2: The Power of "Chesed"

The Hebrew concept of "chesed" encompasses loyalty, kindness, and deep, covenantal love. It's a love that goes beyond politeness, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people. Embracing "chesed" in our relationships can transform them into sources of strength and joy. This kind of love requires us to go beyond surface-level interactions and engage in acts of mercy, compassion, and faithfulness. By embodying "chesed," we create a space where relationships can flourish, grounded in the same steadfast love that God shows us. [18:37]

"Whoever pursues righteousness and kindness will find life, righteousness, and honor." (Proverbs 21:21, ESV)

Reflection: Identify one way you can show "chesed" to someone in your life today. How can you demonstrate loyalty and kindness in a tangible way?

Day 3: Fierce Love and Loyalty

Fierce love and loyalty are the keys to thriving relationships. Fierce love is about being deeply committed and sacrificial, while loyalty means being dependable and steadfast. Together, they create a foundation for relationships that can withstand challenges and grow stronger over time. These virtues are not innate; they require intentionality and commitment. By choosing to fiercely love and remain loyal, we mirror the love of Jesus, who embodies these qualities perfectly. [25:35]

"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." (1 Peter 4:8, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on a relationship where you can practice fierce love and loyalty. What actions can you take to demonstrate these virtues this week?

Day 4: Practical Steps for Growth

To cultivate fierce love and loyalty, we must be proactive. This might mean setting aside time for meaningful conversations, avoiding gossip, or supporting others' successes. By tying these virtues around our necks and writing them on our hearts, we ensure they remain central in our lives. Practical steps for growth involve being intentional about how we interact with others, choosing to uplift and encourage rather than criticize or tear down. By doing so, we create an environment where relationships can thrive. [26:38]

"Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works." (Hebrews 10:24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to foster growth in your relationships? How can you encourage someone in your life to pursue love and good works?

Day 5: Reflecting God's Image

As we embody fierce love and loyalty, we reflect the image of God, who is the ultimate example of these virtues. This not only brings favor with God but also enhances our relationships with others, making us more effective in our roles and more fulfilled in our lives. Reflecting God's image means living out the qualities of love, kindness, and faithfulness in our daily interactions, allowing others to see God's character through us. By doing so, we become a testament to His love and grace. [29:57]

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:1-2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you reflect God's image in your relationships today? How can you be an example of His love and grace to those around you?

Sermon Summary

Summary:

Today, we explored the profound impact of relationships on our lives and how they can lead us to our best year yet. We began by hearing from Dennis and Lori Anderson, who shared their journey of making the past year their best in marriage. This set the stage for our discussion on relationships, emphasizing that whether it's a marriage, friendship, or a work relationship, the goal is to make each year better than the last. We delved into the importance of being in the Word regularly, as it significantly impacts our spiritual growth and relationship with God.

We examined a study from Tel Aviv University, which highlighted the critical role of supportive relationships in our well-being, even affecting our longevity. This underscores the importance of nurturing positive relationships in all areas of life, including with coworkers. We then turned to Proverbs 3, focusing on the virtues of loyalty and kindness, or "chesed," a deep, covenantal love that reflects God's love for us. This love is not just about being polite but encompasses mercy, compassion, and faithfulness.

The story of Frank, a father who demonstrated "chesed" by living on the streets with his homeless, addicted son, illustrated the depth of this love. We learned that fierce love and loyalty are not natural to us; they require intentionality and commitment. By tying these virtues around our necks and writing them on our hearts, we can ensure they remain central in our lives.

The reward for cultivating such relationships is favor with both God and people, as we become more like Jesus, who embodies fierce love and loyalty. Whether it's in marriage, friendships, or work, these principles can transform our relationships and lead us to our best year yet. As we move forward, we are encouraged to define what it means to fiercely love and be loyal in our specific contexts, making intentional efforts to invest in those relationships.

Key Takeaways

1. Intentionality in Relationships: Building strong relationships requires intentional effort. Whether it's with a spouse, friend, or coworker, we must actively choose to invest time and energy into these connections. This intentionality mirrors God's commitment to us and can lead to our best year yet. [14:20]
2. The Power of "Chesed": The Hebrew concept of "chesed" encompasses loyalty, kindness, and deep, covenantal love. It's a love that goes beyond politeness, reflecting God's unwavering commitment to His people. Embracing "chesed" in our relationships can transform them into sources of strength and joy. [18:37]
3. Fierce Love and Loyalty: These are the keys to thriving relationships. Fierce love is about being deeply committed and sacrificial, while loyalty means being dependable and steadfast. Together, they create a foundation for relationships that can withstand challenges and grow stronger over time. [25:35]
4. Practical Steps for Growth: To cultivate fierce love and loyalty, we must be proactive. This might mean setting aside time for meaningful conversations, avoiding gossip, or supporting others' successes. By tying these virtues around our necks and writing them on our hearts, we ensure they remain central in our lives. [26:38]
5. Reflecting God's Image: As we embody fierce love and loyalty, we reflect the image of God, who is the ultimate example of these virtues. This not only brings favor with God but also enhances our relationships with others, making us more effective in our roles and more fulfilled in our lives. [29:57]
** [29:57]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[05:18] - Introduction to Best Year Yet
[14:20] - The Importance of Relationships
[18:37] - Understanding "Chesed"
[22:07] - Story of Frank and His Son
[23:25] - Loyalty and Dependability
[25:35] - Keys to Great Relationships
[26:38] - Practical Steps for Fierce Love
[29:57] - Reflecting God's Image
[32:06] - Defining Fierce Love and Loyalty
[33:36] - Next Steps for Relationships
[35:50] - Date Night Ideas
[37:04] - Story of Jim and Phillip
[39:49] - Steps Toward Your Best Year Yet
[40:35] - Invitation to Know Jesus
[41:29] - Prayer and Commitment
[42:44] - Closing Worship

Sermon Clips

"Frank then made the decision that if his son wasn't coming with him, he was going to stay with his son. And Frank began to live for a couple of weeks, a month or so, a life of homelessness." [00:22:39] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Then you'll find favor with both God and people and you'll earn a great reputation. Like, right? So what the scripture says is if you will step into developing that fierce love for people, being a person who's loyal, that bleeds that, you're going to find favor with God." [00:29:23] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Fierce love and loyalty that'll run to the battlefield. And the other person knows you're coming. Listen, when you step into that type relationship, and it's intentional, it's going to leave you if you don't tie it around your neck, if you don't write it on your heart, if you don't go, hey, I'm going to carve out time." [00:39:14] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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