Is the "Main" Thing "Your" Thing? Loving Others ...Part 2

October 29, 2006
Matthew 22:34-40
Dr. Roger Ferguson, Sr. Pastor

THEME: Contentment doesn't come from autonomy but from community-authentic relationships with God and others. Jesus said a successful life comes from obeying two simple commands. Do you know what these commands are? Are you obeying them or violating them?

I. Relationships are the source of your greatest pleasure or your greatest pain. (Matthew 22:39)

1. Take initiative to give not take from relationships.

"Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Romans 12:17-18

What relationship to you need to embrace?

2. Set healthy boundaries.

"Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character."
I Corinthians 15:33

What relationship do you need to sever?

3. Live in truth, don't pretend.

"Then she called, "Samson, the Philistines are upon you!" He awoke from his sleep and thought, "I'll go out as before and shake myself free." But he did not know that the Lord had left him."
Judges 16:20

Where do I need to repent?

Make it practical:
1. How will you act on your response to the 3 questions above?
2. How are you serving to strengthen and help the church, the body of Christ?
3. Thank God that we can love him through Christ and we can learn to live in loving, caring relationships.