Live to Love People

Live to Love People

1 Thessalonians 2:7-12

As apostles of Christ we certainly had a right to make some demands of you, but instead we were like children among you. Or we were like a mother feeding and caring for her own children. We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too. Don’t you remember, dear brothers and sisters, how hard we worked among you? Night and day we toiled to earn a living so that we would not be a burden to any of you as we preached God’s Good News to you. You yourselves are our witnesses—and so is God—that we were devout and honest and faultless toward all of you believers. And you know that we treated each of you as a father treats hi own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.

Actions speak louder than words. You can’t just say “I love you,” you have to show it too.

Paul’s love for this church is demonstrated three ways:

1. He shares his message.
1. The Gospel—Telling people the truth about humans and telling them the truth about God. We have a sin problem…
2. **If we can not share the gospel with people, we do not really love them. This IS the reason we are here! This is really tough to swallow, but true.
3. Atheist was once asked how he felt about evangelist, his response, I’m honored they care enough about me to share what they believe with me.
2. He shares his life.
1. became friends—shared burdens, pains, frustrations
3. He shares his example (by words and actions).
1. Somebody IS looking up to you. You are being an example to someone right now.

Life Points

1. Each act of love mentioned above carries a risk.
1. Not everyone is willing to do it because there’s risk of being ridiculed and rejected.
2. Don’t let the fear of someone making fun of your belief make you stop loving
3. Make sure your lifestyle matches what you’re preaching
2. Having authority/rights doesn’t mean always using them.
1. Just because you have authority to press down on someone doesn’t necessarily mean you should.
2. Be a blessing instead of a burden
3. Follow because you want to, not have to
3. There is a true family to church life.
1. The Church is more than a legal organization—we are family.
4. Loving people this deeply is not automatic.
1. These relationships don’t happen over night
2. Make a commitment—let your walls down and become a family member, not an observer.