Delight in the Word
On Sunday, we revisited our Gospel Culture series. As Pastor Michael explained, we desire to be a church that lives in gospel culture and holds fast to gospel doctrine. To preach right doctrine but not love others radically would demonstrate hypocrisy. On the other hand, to live in tender community without speaking truth would create fragility in the church. A church that holds to gospel doctrine and practices gospel community will have real power, through the Holy Spirit, as a witness for Christ. We must be people who embrace gospel truths in all facets of life.
Pastor Michael preached on Luke 6:27-36, showing us that radical love for others flows out of experiencing God’s undeserved mercy. In the passage, Jesus describes what it means to love our enemies. Such love truly is radical. We might remember Jesus’ call to love our neighbors and ask: Who is my neighbor? Who am I supposed to love? This passage sets those questions to rest: No one should be outside our circle of love.
“In fact,” Michael said, “the measure of Jesus’ love is that He loved precisely those who didn’t deserve His love — precisely those who could offer nothing in return.”
This is the type of radical love we are called to demonstrate.
Michael listed four types of love: ordinary love, self-love, extraordinary love, and radical love. Ordinary love is to love those who like us, and self-love is to love those who are like us. Extraordinary love, though, is to love those who are unlike like us. Radical love, finally, is to love those who dislike us. This love is only possible by the power of God.
How do we love others in this way? We must understand that this command speaks to our will, not simply our emotions. We choose to love others. Specifically, we love others by doing good, blessing them with our words, and praying for them. We love others through our actions by tangibly serving them. We love others through our words by speaking respectfully, compassionately, and truthfully — certainly proclaiming the gospel. We love others through our prayers by asking God to work in their lives in ways that are good for them and glorifying to Himself. In these ways, we can demonstrate sacrificial love to a broken and needy world.
Resources:
The Key to Radical Love — John Piper
The Gospel is Big Enough for the Sexual Revolution — Alistair Begg
How to Foster a Gospel Culture — Ray Ortlund
Reflection Questions:
What type of love do you tend to demonstrate?
How does the gospel motivate you to love others radically?
How can you demonstrate radical love this Easter season?