Faithful: It's Not About Me (Easter)

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

Matthew 9:35-36 NIV

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

John 13:34-35 NIV

If I’m going to love like Jesus, I must …

1. Care for my Loved Ones.

"When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, 'Woman, here is your son,' and to the disciple, 'Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home. 

John 19:26-27 NIV

"Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

“Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

1 Timothy 5:8 NIV

Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, ⁴ not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:3b-4 NIV

2. Offer Hope to the Hurting.

"Jesus answered him, 'Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.'" 

Luke 23:43 NIV

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, ⁴ who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. 

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Galatians 6:2 NIV

3. Practice Radical Love for my "Enemies".

"Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.' And they divided up his clothes by casting lots."

Luke 23:34 NIV

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." 

Matthew 5:44 NIV

"Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

Romans 12:21 NIV

4. Keep the Main Mission in View.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. ³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, ¹⁴ in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. 

Colossians 1:13-14 NIV

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Romans 8:28 NIV