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Love

Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John O. Reid

God 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.

No Real Love Without God

Sermon by John O. Reid

God's love, as defined in this discussion, is a willful direction toward mankind, involving doing what is best for them, not merely what they desire. This love is reflected in benevolence, kindness, sympathy, and generosity, as God deals with us individually while pursuing a grand, philanthropic plan to elevate humanity into His Kingdom. True love originates from God, and as we exhibit it, we take on the nature of our Father, demonstrating that we are born of Him. Those who fail to reflect this love do not truly know God, regardless of their knowledge. The world often misunderstands love, seeing it as deep devotion, sexual passion, or mere enjoyment of activities, while God's love surpasses these limited definitions. His love is proven by the world He has provided, the patience He shows, and most profoundly, by sending His Son as a sacrifice for our reconciliation with Him. Even when we were ignorant and opposed to His way, He loved us and desired the best for us. We are called to love one another as God loves us, laying down our lives for the brethren, just as He laid down His life for us. By actively using this love in our relationships, it is perfected in us, and we grow in His nature, becoming bold in His presence as we mirror His character. Perfect love casts out fear, and though we may struggle with apprehensions in this world, we must work to perfect our love, faith, and trust in God, knowing He will help us. Jesus Christ taught that the greatest commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, submitting all our faculties to His will and devoting ourselves to glorifying Him. This love is shown directly through obedience to the first four commandments, which involve having no other gods, rejecting idols, honoring His name in all aspects of life, and keeping the Sabbath as holy time for spiritual refreshment and service. The second great commandment is to love our neighbor as ourselves, extending this love to all—family, friends, countrymen, and even enemies. We show this love by not harming our neighbor in body, property, or reputation, by seeking their good, and by being tender and kind, even when their actions do not warrant it, without condoning sin. Attaining God's nature requires keeping His commandments with active faith, trust, and obedience, drawing close to Him through prayer, fasting, and study. Love of God produces a desire to live His way, and His commandments are not burdensome but essential boundaries that train us to become like Him. True love in the heart is reflected in our way of living, showing that we belong to Him. Above all, we must put on godly love, forgiving others as He has forgiven us, uniting all aspects of His calling and opening our minds to emulate Him.

Forgiveness

Article by John O. Reid

Following our too frequent mess-ups in life, forgiveness is so refreshing! We must forgive others if we are to be forgiven.

Criticism: The Foolish Habit

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

Instead of criticizing others, we need to engage in some honest self-criticism. We have plenty of faults of our own; there is no need to look for them in others.

Penalty of Death

Sermonette by Bill Onisick

Gossip is like scattering feathers in a wind: It is just as impossible to reverse the damage done by gossip as it is to regather the feathers.

Confessions of a Finger-Pointer

'Ready Answer' by Staff

During times of unrest and confusion, it is easy to blame others for our problems. Yet finger-pointing is contrary to everything God teaches.

Do Not Judge: What Does it Mean?

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The caution not to judge is more accurately rendered, 'do not condemn' rather than to evaluate according to their fruits. We risk condemning ourselves.

Delusions of Perfection

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

We need to exercise humility and forbearance when we deal with the weaknesses of our brethren, restoring them in love as we would expect them to do for us.

Forbearance

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God put up with the foibles of Abraham, Samson, David, Job, and others, allowing them time to repent and build character. We need to develop this godly trait.

Purging the Rumor Bug from the Body of Christ

'Ready Answer' by David F. Maas

The church grapevine is good at spreading news, but it can be evil when it spreads gossip and rumor. Gossip actually harms the gossip himself. Here's how.

Gossip

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The apostle James says that the tongue can metaphorically start a dangerous fire. He warns that gossip, tale-bearing and being a busy-body is like murder.

What is Atonement?

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Man's estrangement from God is wholly man's fault. Atonement denotes the way harmony is achieved, making the entire world at one or reconciled with God.

The Talking Blood (Part Two)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

God the Father does not take the minimization of His Son's sacrifice lightly, as some Protestant theologians imply with their cheap grace doctrine.

A Trustworthy Relationship

Sermon by Mark Schindler

We have been given an incredible privilege to be placed within the Body of Christ. This same privilege applies to our fellow saints as well.

God as Father

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

God is the only perfect example of fatherhood. We need to emulate His virtues, among them being the perfect example of what we want our children to be.

The Christian Walk (Part Two): In Light

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

To His disciples, Christ admonishes us to follow the light, imitate (or do) the light, and become sons of the light; to not just reflect light but become it.

Conscience (Part 3)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Lawful behavior with a wrong attitude, motivated by pride, displaying lack of sensitivity to others or lack of wisdom, also constitutes sin.