We rescue pets from harm, and Jesus rescued us from all the harm intended by the enemy of our soul. Let us continue to do all that we can — with the unleashed motivation from within, the love of God.  The world looks to those that shine for Jesus, for the most excellent Way. We are His chosen ambassadors, and the watching world needs to witness patience, kindness, humility, and the love of Jesus. Has too much of the world gotten into the church?  Be wise and discern aptly with your eyes open. The Spirit of God penned through Paul the wrong way to represent the King. The most excellent Way is NOT of this world.  Love considers others first.

Love does NOT envy, it is NOT proud. Love does NOT dishonor others. Love is NOT self seeking. Love is NOT easily angered and it keeps NO record of wrongs. Love forgives quickly, and Love listens intently, and speaks words of hope. Envy is the way the enemy stirs others up to resent the good fortune of others. Is there jealousy in the church? We are the body of Christ and we are to reflect the Way of Jesus, NOT the world. Romans 12:10-11 “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Let your light shine!

It was written of Barnabus that he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith. A great number of people came to know Jesus by the love Barnabas imparted.  When Paul was elevated in reputation,  Barnabas was NOT jealous. He celebrated Paul’s teaching. Love is NOT boastful. Proverbs 27:2 “Let someone else praise you, and NOT your own mouth;  an outsider, and NOT your own lips.” Matthew 23:5 The prideful do all that they do not of of love, but for self promotion. “Everything they do is done for people to see.” Love is NOT arrogant, Love is humble.

WARNING: Isaiah 14:14 “I will ascend above the tops of the clouds;  I will make myself like the Most High.” God exalts the humble, NOT the arrogant. As the indwelt Holy Spirit pricks us, we crucify any desire to get recognized, so that we remain humble. Luke 18:11 The proud person stood and  prayed: ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” Be careful NOT to look down in ARROGANCE on beggars, the prideful, or those with much influence.  Love is NOT impolite, it is kind, and compassionate. 1 Timothy 2:9-10 “I also want the women to dress MODESTLY, with DECENCY and PROPRIETY, adorning themselves, NOT with elaborate expensive clothes, but with GOOD DEEDS, APPROPRIATE for women who profess to worship God.” Love does NOT hold a grudge, love forgives, love does NOT justify an offense. Romans 12:21 Humbly, we strive to please the Father.

“Do NOT be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” We forgive quickly, but to regain our trust in an offender, that is earned over time. Jesus said, “For even Christ did NOT please Himself but, as it is written: “The insults of those who insult you have fallen on Me.” Romans 15:3 ❤️ Thank You Jesus.

Scripture emphasizes unity and love:

1. Psalm 133:1 “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

2. Eph 4:3 “Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.”

3. 1 Corin 1:10 “I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought.”

4. Philippians 2:2 “Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

5. Colossians 3:14 “And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

These verses encourage believers to strive for unity in faith, purpose, and love.

“My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” Matthew 18:35 Jesus presented a parable that showed the urgent need for His disciples to forgive others. God has forgiven us all, so we are reminded that we must forgive others. The parable and its application end with a warning against failing to forgive. The principle of forgiveness is clear. God has forgiven us such a great debt, that any debt owed to us by others is insignificant in comparison. There are many sincere Christians who withhold forgiveness from others for mistaken reasons – and they feel entirely justified in doing so. Choose to be humbled by how much Jesus forgave, and be like He who forgives completely all our offenses and rest in His joy.

“Love protects others above themselves, believes all things, hopes in all things, while enduring all things.” Pastor Gary Neighbor sermon on May 25, 2025.