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No Real Love Without God
Sermon by John O. ReidThe world today is driven by greed, hatred, and self-seeking, reflecting the way of satan rather than the true love that mankind desperately needs. True love, as God embodies, is an outgoing concern for others, bringing peace, harmony, and fulfillment. God's love, defined as agape, is a willful direction toward humanity's best interest, often contrary to human desires, as seen in His sacrifice of His Son for our justification and reconciliation. This love originates from God and reflects His Spirit in us, shaping our nature to mirror His. Those who exhibit God's love demonstrate they are born of Him, while those who do not, regardless of their knowledge, fail to know Him. God's love is both individual, shown in sympathy and kindness, and vast in scope, aiming to elevate all mankind into His Kingdom. We are called to love others as God loves us, even laying down our lives for one another, as Christ did. By actively loving, we perfect this love and grow in God's nature, becoming bold in His presence. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may struggle with apprehensions in this world, we must work to deepen our trust in God, who first loved us. Love requires us to avoid harboring grudges or hatred, as true love for God extends to loving those He has begotten. We are to emulate Christ's patience, kindness, and service, reflecting God's love in all actions. Despite challenges and lawlessness that may cool our love, we must rekindle our zeal and not let our commitment drift. The greatest commandments are to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Loving God involves honoring Him above all, rejecting idols, revering His name, and keeping His Sabbath holy as a sign of obedience. Loving our neighbor means showing mercy and kindness to all, even enemies, without condoning sin, but seeking their good as we would wish for ourselves. True love is not mere sentiment but is reflected in a life of obedience to God's commandments, fostering an intimate relationship with Him and leading toward becoming part of His Family. As we forgive others, just as Christ forgave us, forgetting their offenses, we unite all aspects of God's calling and embody the godly love that binds everything together.
Love
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. ReidGod appreciates when we show concern for others, developing the maturity to overlook the slights others have made to us. Love sets an example for others.
Forms vs. Spirituality (Part 3)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod's holy law gives love its foundation, stability, and evenness, preventing it from degenerating into a sappy, sentimental feeling.
Blessed Are the Meek (2014)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughIn Paul's listings of virtues, meekness always appears near the end, reflecting its difficulty. Meekness is the gentle, quiet spirit of selfless devotion.
The Elephant in the Room
Sermonette by Bill OnisickOne of the practices of a tare is passive-aggressive behavior, characterized by a hypocritical display of diplomacy while concealing hatred.