We're learning to be first class lovers! That phrase makes me laugh, but it's true. Learning takes listening and action. This past week and a half has been helpful and challenging. In this weeks Small Group lesson Pastor Trey challenged us to love those who hard to love. He asked us to show patience to that person who grits our nerves, and he asked us to affirm someone with low self-worth. That last one was a challenge for me. Not because I can't affirm people but I had a hard time thinking of someone with low self-worth. After I prayed about it for a minute the Lord gave me a student at Reality. God then worked it out where I could offer this student a gift and affirm her. It was amazing to see her eyes light up when I gave her some iPod headphones after her's broke. A simple gesture. That same night a middle school student came up to me at Reality and told me how she struggled to be nice to a hard to love person, but this week she has been making an extra effort. She's even gone as far as buying this person's their favorite cookie and giving it to them at lunch. I was impressed. And that's where this 40 day journey makes a difference. We have to take action. I encourage you to take action the day after your small group, because it's fresh on your heart. Offer that person forgiveness, demonstrate trust to someone, affirm another, and accept those her are not accepted by most. Yes, it takes effort, but loving like Jesus loved will be impossible. It's our job to take the steps we need to get there. James 1:22 tells us, "Don't fool yourself into thinking that you are a listener when you are anything but, letting the Word go in one ear and out the other. Act on what you hear!"
Below is Pastor Trey's message from Sunday on the Father's love. It's a good one! Don't miss it.
And this is the video we showed that's in the podcast, but you can actually watch it. Pastor Trey conducted the interviews. Thanks to everyone who participated. Enjoy :)
