April 3

Luke 10

 

In 1992, Mr. Rogers received an honorary doctorate (his 25th) from Boston University. When he was introduced during the commencement, 5000 students stood and applauded so long that there was only one way he could get them to stop. Here's what Fred said, "Why don't you just sit down, and we'll sing this song together? Just sing it with me. 'It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor. Would you be mine? Could you be mine?'"

 

Jesus was the first one to sing that song. He did it in our New Testament reading today. During a tense conversation with a very religious, but unloving person, Jesus clarified the purpose of life, which is simply to love God and love people. But this religious guy knew he came up short on loving people, so he began debating the meaning of the word "neighbor." The parable of the Good Samaritan was Jesus' brilliant explanation with the punchline, "Go and do likewise." To really love the neighborhood means we express our love in concrete actions and behaviors. It is not enough to say we love people; we need to live it.

 

Here are some ideas on living a life of love:  

1. Love people. The number one reason people become friends is because they believe the other person really loves them. You can't fake this. Ask God for real love; he is the author of it.

2. Love reaches out. Love initiates. Love crosses to the other side. The Grace Church family is reaching out each day by making three calls to others.

3. Love sacrifices. It is going to be costly to love. If love isn't costly, it isn't love. The Good Samaritan interrupted his agenda to include a neighbor in need. He also paid the financial cost. Radically share your finances.

4. Love prays. In your conversations with neighbors end by asking them if you could pray for them. Very few people today will not want this.

5. Love speaks. Just say it. We are too stingy with saying, "I Love You."

 

Fred Rogers said this in 2003, "You know, I think everybody longs to be loved, and longs to know that he or she is lovable. And, consequently, the greatest thing that we can do is to help somebody know that they're loved and capable of loving." 

 

That is our mission today, show three people they are loved by us and God. 

 

 

 

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"Multiplying leaders to change the world"