Dave Gibbons of NewSong Church (Irvine, CA) discussed loving your neighbor during Verge Conference’s 5th session. Here is what he said:
If we really break it down, the mission is clear. What is the mission: Love God and your neighbor. The problem is our definition of our neighbor. We define our neighbor in America as someone just like us. The genius and the brilliance of the church and when it becomes the most illuminous is when you love someone different from you.
Embrace the theology of flow and blessing.
FLOW: Jesus only did what He saw His Father doing. See what God is doing. Pray for your community and let yourself be broken. Great vision will come from your brokenness.
BLESSING: When you unpack blessing in the Scripture, it is to see how special you are. Notice how special people are. Affirm people’s destiny.
Ask yourself these questions:
- What’s in your hand?
A lot of times you think about serving God, you think you don’t have the eloquence or resources. But God has given you a unique story. He has given you the Holy Spirit in your hand. You know how much you do by how much you pray. If you don’t pray, you are depending on your own power and not that of the Holy Spirit. Your pain is your gift. Tell your story, and let it be used by God. - What’s on the outside of your hand?
Who are the outsiders in your community? If you want to know how civilized a society is, look at how they treat children, women, and the elderly.
The Apostle Paul was uncompromising on the truth, but his sensitive side also shows up in his writings. In our busy, self-centred world, we need to remember those who have made a difference in our lives, and when they come to mind, pray for them, and find a way to say ‘thank you.’
Establish and increase your faith carefully choosing the Biblical values against which all of life is judged. Yes, you are human, and you will struggle with situations which demand that you choose between what you want to do and what you ought to do. Walk with God and maintain your integrity, and you will be able to make the right choice every time. Visit http://simon.weston.over-blog.net/ and may God richly bless you!
love IS the key!
Endeavor Church