Introduction

Good morning, everyone!

Before we dive into this morning's sermon, I want to share with you a quote from Charles Spurgeon, "I would go to the deeps a hundred times to cheer a downcast spirit. It is good for me to have been afflicted, that I might know how to speak a word in season to one that is weary." We are not called to encourage others just as God does to us.

Let's turn our Bibles now to 1st Thessalonians 2:8-12. It reads,

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us. For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory."

Let's bow our heads in prayer.

Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with grateful hearts. We ask that you open our hearts and minds to your word today. Help us to love with Your love, live with integrity, and always encourage and urge each other towards Your goodness. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Now, let's dive in.

Loving with the Love of God

When we speak of loving with the Love of God, we are talking about a love that is far beyond our human comprehension, a love that is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. This is the love that God has for us, and it is this love that He calls us to extend to others.

Affectionately desirous: The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonians, speaks of being "affectionately desirous" of the people to whom he ministered. This phrase captures the essence of God's love. It is not a love that is distant or detached, but one that is deeply personal and intimate. It is a love that longs for the wellbeing of the other, that is willing to give of oneself for the sake of the other.

Sharing our very selves: This is what Paul and his companions did. They did not just preach the gospel; they lived it out in their relationships with the Thessalonians. They worked tirelessly, not wanting to be a burden to anyone, and they conducted themselves in a manner that was holy, righteous, and blameless. Their love was not just in word, but in deed and in truth.

Loving without expecting anything in return: It is a love that is freely given, not because of what we can get out of it, but because of the joy of giving. This is the love that God has shown us in Christ, who "though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9).

A continuing process: It is not something we do once and then move on. It is something we are called to do every day, in every relationship, in every situation. It is a love that is patient and kind, that does not envy or boast, that is not arrogant or rude, that does not insist on its own way, that is not irritable or resentful, that does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth, that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

Can’t do on our own: It is not a matter of trying harder or being better. It is a matter of surrendering to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, allowing Him to transform our hearts and minds, and empower us to love as God loves.

Living with Integrity

Living with integrity is not just about being honest or truthful, but it involves a holistic approach to life that reflects our faith in every aspect of our being ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO