Living Loved: A Call to Authentic Love

Devotional

Day 1: Live Loved to Love Others

To genuinely love others, we must first experience and accept God's love for ourselves. When we live loved, we become conduits of God's love, rather than sources of hurt. This foundational principle is crucial for spiritual growth and effective ministry. [06:23]

Living loved means understanding and accepting the depth of God's love for us. This love is unconditional, sacrificial, and transformative. When we truly grasp this, it changes how we see ourselves and others. We no longer seek validation from the world because we are secure in God's love. This security allows us to love others without expecting anything in return, mirroring the love we have received from God.

When we live loved, our actions and words align with the love of Christ. We become more patient, kind, and forgiving. Our relationships improve because we are not operating from a place of neediness or insecurity. Instead, we are filled with God's love, which overflows into our interactions with others. This is the essence of living on mission: to be a living testament of God's love in a world that desperately needs it.

Bible Passage:
"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love." (1 John 4:7-8, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a time when you felt truly loved by God. How did that experience change the way you interacted with others? How can you make a conscious effort to live loved today?

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Day 2: Quick to Listen

Listening should be our first response in any interaction. By prioritizing listening over speaking, we show that we value the other person. This approach helps us understand others better and prevents us from causing unnecessary hurt. [09:45]

Being quick to listen means making a deliberate effort to hear and understand others before we speak. This is not just about hearing words but understanding the emotions and intentions behind them. When we listen first, we show respect and empathy, which can de-escalate conflicts and build stronger relationships. Listening is a powerful tool for ministry because it allows us to meet people where they are and address their real needs.

In a world where everyone is eager to voice their opinions, being quick to listen sets us apart. It reflects the character of Christ, who always took the time to listen to those around Him. By listening, we can offer more thoughtful and loving responses, making our interactions more meaningful and impactful. This practice not only benefits others but also enriches our own spiritual lives as we learn and grow from the experiences and perspectives of those we listen to.

Bible Passage:
"Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." (James 1:19-20, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent conversation where you were quick to speak rather than listen. How could the outcome have been different if you had prioritized listening? What steps can you take to be a better listener today?

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Day 3: Slow to Speak

Thoughtful speech requires us to process our words through a filter of love and wisdom. This means considering whether our words are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. Speaking slowly allows us to communicate more effectively and lovingly. [19:35]

Being slow to speak means taking the time to think before we respond. This involves considering the impact of our words on others and ensuring that what we say aligns with our values and beliefs. Thoughtful speech is not about being hesitant or fearful but about being intentional and loving in our communication. When we speak slowly, we are more likely to offer words that build up rather than tear down.

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to react quickly and say things we later regret. By practicing slow speech, we can avoid misunderstandings and conflicts. This approach allows us to be more present in our conversations, offering words that are not only true but also edifying. Speaking slowly is a way to honor God and others, reflecting the love and wisdom that comes from a life rooted in Christ.

Bible Passage:
"Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person." (Colossians 4:6, ESV)

Reflection:
Reflect on a time when you spoke hastily and regretted it. How could you have handled the situation differently by speaking slowly? What practical steps can you take to ensure your words are more thoughtful and loving?

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Day 4: Slow to Anger

Anger can have detrimental effects on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By managing our anger and not letting it control us, we can maintain healthier relationships and a stronger spiritual life. [26:30]

Being slow to anger means recognizing the destructive power of uncontrolled anger and choosing to respond with patience and understanding. Anger is a natural emotion, but when it is not managed properly, it can lead to hurtful words and actions that damage relationships and hinder our spiritual growth. By being slow to anger, we allow ourselves the time to process our emotions and respond in a way that reflects the love and grace of God.

Managing anger involves self-awareness and self-control. It requires us to identify the triggers that lead to anger and develop strategies to cope with them. This might include prayer, deep breathing, or taking a moment to step away from a heated situation. By practicing these techniques, we can prevent anger from taking control and instead respond in a way that promotes peace and reconciliation.

Bible Passage:
"Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly." (Proverbs 14:29, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of a recent situation where you felt angry. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? What strategies can you implement to be slower to anger in the future?

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Day 5: Value People Over Politics

In a polarized world, it's essential to prioritize valuing people over political opinions. Our mission as Christians transcends political affiliations, and we must strive to love and understand others, regardless of their political stance. [17:42]

Valuing people over politics means recognizing that our primary allegiance is to Christ and His command to love others. In a world divided by political ideologies, it's easy to let our differences overshadow our common humanity. However, as followers of Christ, we are called to rise above these divisions and see each person as a beloved child of God. This doesn't mean we ignore our convictions, but it does mean we prioritize relationships over being right.

When we value people over politics, we create an environment where genuine dialogue and understanding can occur. We listen to others' perspectives with an open heart and mind, seeking to understand rather than to argue. This approach fosters unity and reflects the inclusive love of Christ. By focusing on what unites us rather than what divides us, we can build stronger, more compassionate communities.

Bible Passage:
"Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all." (Romans 12:16-17, ESV)

Reflection:
Think of someone with whom you have a political disagreement. How can you show them love and respect despite your differences? What steps can you take to prioritize your relationship over your political views?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we delved into the theme of "Living on Mission," focusing on the core values and mission of our church. Our mission is to live loved by God and to love others with God's love. This isn't just a slogan; it's a call to action that requires us to embody these values genuinely. We discussed the importance of being authentic in our love for others, as our actions must align with our words. If we claim to love but act otherwise, we risk pushing people away from both the church and Jesus.

We also touched on our upcoming mission trip to Uganda, where we will be serving thousands through medical clinics and children's programs. This mission is a tangible expression of our core values, and we need your prayers and support to make it successful.

Our key scripture today was James 1:19, which instructs us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. We explored what it means to "listen fast," emphasizing the importance of making listening our first response rather than speaking. We also discussed the need to "talk slowly," meaning we should think carefully before we speak, ensuring our words are thoughtful and loving. Lastly, we talked about being "slow to anger," recognizing that anger can harm us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

We concluded with a call to self-examination and prayer, inviting everyone to reflect on their relationships and how they can better embody the love of Christ. Whether it's through listening more attentively, speaking more thoughtfully, or managing our anger, we are called to live loved and to love others genuinely.

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Key Takeaways

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2. Quick to Listen: Listening should be our first response in any interaction. By prioritizing listening over speaking, we show that we value the other person. This approach helps us understand others better and prevents us from causing unnecessary hurt.

3. Slow to Speak: Thoughtful speech requires us to process our words through a filter of love and wisdom. This means considering whether our words are true, helpful, inspiring, necessary, and kind. Speaking slowly allows us to communicate more effectively and lovingly.

4. Slow to Anger: Anger can have detrimental effects on our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. By managing our anger and not letting it control us, we can maintain healthier relationships and a stronger spiritual life.

5. Value People Over Politics: In a polarized world, it's essential to prioritize valuing people over political opinions. Our mission as Christians transcends political affiliations, and we must strive to love and understand others, regardless of their political stance.

### [06:23]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Introduction to Living on Mission
[02:06] - Importance of Authentic Love
[02:51] - Upcoming Uganda Mission Trip
[06:23] - Recap of Last Week's Message
[09:16] - Quick to Listen
[19:35] - Slow to Speak
[26:30] - Slow to Anger
[32:02] - Invitation to Prayer and Reflection
[34:09] - Closing Remarks and Announcements

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does James 1:19 instruct us to do in our interactions with others?
According to the sermon, what does it mean to "listen fast"? [09:45]
How did the pastor describe the importance of being "slow to speak"? [19:35]
What are the physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences of anger mentioned in the sermon? [26:30]

Interpretation Questions

Why is it important to be "quick to listen" in our relationships, according to the sermon? [09:45]
How can being "slow to speak" help us communicate more effectively and lovingly? [19:35]
What does it mean to "live loved" and how does this impact our ability to love others? [06:23]
How does prioritizing people over politics align with the mission of the church? [17:42]

Application Questions

Reflect on a recent conversation where you were quick to speak rather than quick to listen. How could you have approached it differently? [09:45]
Think of a situation where you let anger control you. What steps can you take to manage your anger better in the future? [26:30]
How can you practice being "slow to speak" in your daily interactions this week? What specific strategies will you use? [19:35]
Identify one person in your life who you find difficult to listen to. What can you do to show them that you value their perspective? [09:45]
How can you ensure that your actions align with your words when it comes to loving others authentically? [02:06]
In what ways can you support the upcoming mission trip to Uganda, either through prayer, donations, or other means? [03:35]
Reflect on your political discussions. How can you prioritize valuing people over political opinions in these conversations? [17:42]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Every church should value people, should love people, and should live loved by God. And every church that follows the Bible has kind of a similar mission like that. You hear some churches will say, love God, love others. Like that's, you know, it's just, there's lots of different renditions. We're all on the same team. But we gotta make sure that we are actually doing what we say we believe." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We talked about how if you don't learn to live loved, you're not gonna be able to express love. So if you don't become a recipient of God's love, you won't be a conduit of God's love. Next, when life happens and we don't feel loved, we usually end up hurting people rather than helping people. In fact, sometimes we get pre-programmed. Instead of living loved, we live hurt. We conduct ourselves in a way, that lives hurt." (35 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We believe every person is created in the image of God with inherent value. People matter to Jesus, so they matter to us. That's our core value of people." (12 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "When life happens and we don't feel loved, we usually end up hurting people rather than helping people. In fact, sometimes we get pre-programmed. Instead of living loved, we live hurt. We conduct ourselves in a way, that lives hurt. And that usually means we go around hurting others. So God gave us the ability to live loved by him so we can love others. And when the church lives hurt, instead of living loved, we will repel unbelievers from this place and from Jesus himself. So we must be aware our own spiritual condition so that we can be correct and healthy conduits of God's love." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners. All right, let's move on to the next. Listen fast, all right, number one. Number two, talk slowly. Some of you are from Felsmere, like me. Y'all don't have a problem talking slow, all right? It's not exactly like that. Let's read the verse again and then I'll, James 1.19 says, understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners. All right, let's move on to the next. Listen fast, all right, number one. Number two, talk slowly. Some of you are from Felsmere, like me. Y'all don't have a problem talking slow, all right? It's not exactly like that. Let's read the verse again and then I'll, James 1.19 says, understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners. All right, let's move on to the next. Listen fast, all right, number one. Number two, talk slowly. Some of you are from Felsmere, like me. Y'all don't have a problem talking slow, all right? It's not exactly like that. Let's read the verse again and then I'll, James 1.19 says, understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "We cannot be loved. We got the T-shirts, we got the bumper sticker. You can't wear this if you're not actually gonna do it, okay? You can't be love and be impatient. That's not loving. But if you value another person, then you will be fast listeners. All right, let's move on to the next. Listen fast, all right, number one. Number two, talk slowly. Some of you are from Felsmere, like me. Y'all don't have a problem talking slow, all right? It's not exactly like that. Let's read the verse again and then I'll, James 1.19 says, understand this, my dear brothers and sisters, you must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry." (16 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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