The Principle of LOVE

 by Pastor Robert Morris, Gateway Church, Dallas, TX

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rtpoChQW-mo (part 1)  

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PL_fht9Ar00 (part 2)

"Whoever hates his brother is a murderer." (1 John 3:15) 

THE PATH TO MURDER:

1. Hate precedes Murder. (Gen 37:4-5, 18) (Deut 19:11-12) (Josh 20:5)

2. Anger precedes Hate. (Gen 4:3-5, 8) Anger is an emotion. Anger is not a sin but what you do with anger is a sin. 

3. An Offense precedes Anger. (Mt 24:10) (Mark 6:2-3) Astonished means to strike someone, to expel by a blow, to drive out someone. (Lk 4:28-29)

4. Unfulfilled Expectations precede Offenses. (Lk 7:18-19)

Jesus will either be for you, a stone you stumble over, or a rock you build your house on! "As it is written: 'Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame.'" (Rom 9:33)

5. Forgiveness precedes Love. (Mt 5:43-44)

Hate leads to murder. (Gen 27:41) Forgiveness leads to love. (Gen 33:1, 4)

6. Grace precedes Forgiveness. If you have a problem giving forgiveness, you have a problem receiving forgiveness. (Mt 10:8) Once you accept grace, you'll forgive others who don't deserve to be forgiven. Forgiveness means release. When God forgives us, He releases us from the punishment / judgment of our sin. When we truly forgive others, we release them from the hurt and offense they've caused.

When you hate, you fall into a trap, you are caught in a snare. If you allow hate and anger to consume you, then your unforgiveness leads you to not be forgiven by the One Who loves you.

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From the book, JESUS CALLING, by Sarah Young

Meditation for October 28, 2022

Do not expect to be treated fairly in this life. People will say and do hurtful things to you, things that you don't deserve. When someone mistreats you, try to view it as an opportunity to grow in grace. See how quickly you can forgive the one who has wounded you. Don't be concerned about setting the record straight. Instead of obsessing about other people's opinions of you, keep your focus on ME. Ultimately, it is MY view of you that counts.

     As you concentrate on relating to ME, remember that I have clothed you in My righteousness and holiness. I see you attired in these radiant garments, which I bought for you with MY blood. This also is not fair; it is a pure gift. When others treat you unfairly, remember that MY ways with you are much better than fair. MY ways are Peace and Love, which I have poured out into your heart by MY Spirit.

"Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others." (Col 3:13)

"I am overwhelmed with joy in the LORD my God! For He has dressed me with the clothing of salvation and draped me in a robe of righteousness. I am like a bridegroom dressed for his wedding or a bride with her jewels." (Is 61:10)

"He is so rich in kindness and grace that He purchased our freedom with the blood of His Son and forgave our sins. He has showered His kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding." (Eph 1:7-8)

"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because He has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with His love." (Rom 5:5)