Affection That Heals.

Affection That Heals.

Romans 12:9-16NET

Medical professionals in neonatal units have shown that newborns respond emotionally if they receive loving touch and affection.

You are not an exception, You were created to reach out to others. Touch...hug.

Eyes can communicate kindness; A gentle touch on the shoulder affirms unspoken care.

The Lord spoke this word to me, “Compassion, Affection and Care become My Divine medicine.”

Remember this fact—Ministry always flows from relationships.

Romans 12, contains very practical instructions that the Lord can use in our lives as we respond in obedience to them. They are listed one after another, beginning in verse 9 and continuing through verse 21. There are more than twenty separate exhortations in those verses—God breathed commands. We won’t look at all 20 this morning, but listen closely as I read the text.

I believe as you’re walking in the Spirit, the elements of verses 9-21, will be true of your life. If not, allow God to bring conviction.

Romans 12:9-21NET 9 Love must be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil, cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another with mutual love, showing eagerness in honoring one another. 11 Do not lag in zeal, be enthusiastic in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, endure in suffering, persist in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints, pursue hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you, bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty but associate with the lowly. Do not be conceited.  17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil; consider what is good before all people. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dear friends, but give place to God’s wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Rather, if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in doing this you will be heaping burning coals on his head. 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

One day Linus said to Lucy, “I’m going to be a doctor when I grow up.”

Lucy replied, “You a Doctor! Ha! You could never be a doctor! You know why? Because you don’t love mankind. That’s why!”

Linus defended himself, saying, “I do love mankind….it’s people I can’t stand.”

Listen, “We must love people specifically, and not just love humanity in general.” P.H

Brother Paul came up with this statement here lately, “In love with Jesus? ‘We don’t got to come to church, we get to come to church.”

In the earlier chapters of Romans, the apostle Paul taught doctrine—He refuses any other walk—than the walk of grace mixed with faith.

Throughout the latter chapters of Romans, Paul addresses social issues like, “Our treatment of others.”

This morning I want to ask you 3 quick questions. As Sons and Daughters are you willing to?

Walk-in God’s love-Not just when its convenient.

Listen carefully—keep your eyes attentive, and mouth shut.

Be an open book—Dallas Holmes, wrote a song—Jesus I’m an open book.

Say, “Live with no regrets.”

Key point: “Refuse to allow any unspoken affection lying dormant in your heart.’ ‘Expressing love is never out of order...in any environment or any season.” P.H

I want to give you 8, God breathed-ways to walk with affection that heals:

Romans 12:9-10TM  Love from the center of who you are; don’t fake it. 10 Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; practice playing second fiddle.

1. To walk with affection that heals, you must Love deeply from the core of who you are.

“Practice playing the second fiddle; Let go of your wants and desires—serve.” P.H

Romans 12:11-13TM Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, 12 cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder. 13 Help needy Christians; be inventive in hospitality.

2. To walk with affection that heals you must, Walk in the Spirit at all times, in other words, walk by faith, not sight.

Cheerfully expectant—Expect miracles, expect friendship, Expect good relationships!

Never quit even in hard times.

Again verse 12-13, Be an alert servant, remain happy, prayerful, warm and friendly.

Romans 12:14TM Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath.

3. To walk with affection that heals you must, Keep no ill will; Speak blessings.

To every member of CECC, if you ever feel led to go somewhere else or to another ministry, we want to bless you. It’s very important!

Romans 12:15TM Laugh with your happy friends when they’re happy; share tears when they’re down.

4. To walk with affection that heals you must, be willing to share your emotions.