Love Like Jesus: Loving The Doubters And The Unbelievers Series

You may have noticed, but we see more and more in the world that Christians are arguing about everything. We seem to have more and more Christians judging people not in the faith. Ryan posted something on TikTkok and Instagram, and Christians did not hold back. It made me think that if we cannot even love people in the faith, how unloving are we to the world that does not believe yet or does not see the way we see life?

Carey Nieuwhof, a renowned Christian author and speaker, researched this and found there are three things that non-believers do not like about us as Christians, and as Christians, we need to do love differently. Especially as it is our theme this year, love your neighbour.

You want to know what the three things are. They are Judging without knowing the real story. Another two minutes on social media will reveal Christians and preachers condemning unchurched people for their sexual habits and preferences, lifestyle choices, and political views. I doubt this is what Jesus had in mind when he gave his life in love for the world.

Be hypocritical. The truth is that as much as I hate it, I’m a hypocrite. My walk doesn’t always match my talk. That’s why I don’t have a fish in my car. When I’m in a hurry, and my natural impatience surfaces, the last thing some person God loves needs to see is a Christian cut him off.

3rd, we are not true and good friends. We are only there when they are in the faith, but we tend to keep them on a stick when they fall or question. Think about it. When was the last time you hung out with a sex worker?

When was the last time you had someone who’s not your skin colour, not your political persuasion, and doesn’t share your value system over for dinner, or when was the last time you broke bread with an addict (who’s not in recovery)?

Now I am glad we have the bible to teach and correct us. And as I prepared the message, I needed fixing, and this sermon is more for me than for you guys. Cause boy, the Holy Spirit so convicted me. So I want to look at a piece of scripture, which we usually look at only after easter, but there is so much we can learn from the interaction between Pontius Pilate and Jesus if you want to see how Jesus loved those who did not believe or doubt the faith. Then this is it.

We find this interaction in John 18:28-38. And I want to read it with you, and from there, I want to give you five practical tools on how we need to love those who doubt and do not believe.

Let us read.

Jesus and Pontius Pilate's encounter occurs during the final hours leading up to Jesus' crucifixion. After being arrested and brought before the Jewish religious leaders, Jesus was taken to the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who held the power to impose the death penalty. This event is recorded in the Gospel of John, specifically in John 18:28-38.

As the Roman governor of Judea, Pontius Pilate resided in Jerusalem during the time of Jesus' ministry. The Jewish religious leaders brought Jesus to Pilate's headquarters, called the Praetorium, early in the morning to seek his condemnation. However, they were unwilling to enter the Praetorium themselves because they wanted to avoid ceremonial uncleanness and be able to eat the Passover.

During the conversation, Pilate discovers that Jesus' kingdom is not of this world and perceives that Jesus is innocent. Pilate repeatedly tries to release Jesus, finding no basis for charges against Him. However, the Jewish leaders persistently pressure Pilate, accusing Jesus of stirring up the people throughout Judea, Galilee, and beyond the borders.

LOVE IS A SOURCE OF CONFIDENCE. So let us look at the first point. It is this. As Christians, we need to have confidence. We need to have the belief that the Bible is the truth. Jesus remained confident in his purpose and his identity despite Pilate being a sceptic.

John 18:33-36 (HCSB) 33 Then Pilate went back into the headquarters, summoned Jesus, and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

34 Jesus answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have others told you about Me?” 35 “I’m not a Jew, am I?” Pilate replied. “Your nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” 36 “My kingdom is not of this world,” said Jesus. “If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Jews. As it is, My kingdom does not have its origin here.”

How do we apply this? We read 1 John 3:1, "See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!"