LOVING THE PEOPLE, YOU MIGHT OVERLOOK
Developing a Faith That Works
“… what’s the use of saying you’ve got faith if you don’t prove it by your actions?” James 2:14
“This royal law is found in the Scriptures: Love your neighbor as you love yourself! If you obey this law, you are doing right!” James 2:8
“… how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?” James 2:1 (NLT)
“[Whenever you speak] or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law [of love, the] law that set you free. [So, YOU MUST SHOW MERCY TO OTHERS, or God will not show mercy to you] when he judges you.” James 2:12-13 (NLT)
HOW TO SHOW MERCIFUL LOVE LIKE JESUS
Jesus Heals TWO Blind Guys – Matthew 20:30-34
1. LISTEN FOR CLUES THAT PEOPLE ARE IN PAIN
“They shouted…people tried to shame them into being quiet … but they just shouted LOUDER!” Matthew 20:30-31
“When Jesus heard them…” Matthew 20:32 (CEV)
“If you shut your ears to the cries of the poor, your own cries will be ignored in your own time of need.” Proverbs 21:13
2. STOP WHATEVER YOU ARE DOING AT THAT MOMENT
“When Jesus heard their cries, he STOPPED…” Matthew 20:32a
“None of you should be looking out for your own interests but look out for the interests of others.” 1 Corinthians 10:24
3. LOOK PAST PEOPLE’S BEHAVIOR TO SEE THEIR VALUE
“Jesus looked steadily at the man and was filled with love for him.” Mark 10:21 (NJB)
“It is a sin to despise your neighbor; But whoever is kind to the poor will be blessed.” Proverbs 14:21
4. ASK PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED. DO NOT ASSUME YOU KNOW
“Then JESUS ASKED, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ ‘Lord, we want to see!’ they said.” Matthew 20:32
5. DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO HELP
“Jesus felt compassion for them so he touched their eyes and instantly the could see! Then they started following Jesus.” Matthew 20:34
WHO NEEDS YOUR LOVE?
I. LOOK FOR PEOPLE WITH NEEDS & OFFER TO HELP
“Share your food with the hungry, give to the poor, and provide shelter for the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not refuse to help your own relatives. Then my favor will shine on you like the morning sun, and your wounds will be quickly healed! I will always be with you to save you, my presence will protect you, and when you pray, I will answer you…” Isaiah 58:7-9
II. LOOK FOR LONELY PEOPLE & BECOME A FRIEND
“Look for opportunities to be hospitable.” Romans 12:13
III. LOOK FOR GRIEVING PEOPLE & BE THERE FOR THEM
“God comforts us in our troubles, so that we can comfort others who are in trouble with the same comfort that we ourselves received from God.” 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
IV. LOOK FOR DEFEATED PEOPLE & HELP THEM START OVER
“When people sin, you should forgive and comfort them, so they won’t give up in despair.” 2 Corinthians 2:7 (CEV)
V. LOOK FOR ANGRY PEOPLE & SHOW THEM KINDNESS
“Don’t repay evil for evil. [Never] retaliate… when people insult you [or say unkind things about you]. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God wants you to do, and he will bless you for it!” 1 Peter 3:9 (NLT)
“Love your enemies, do good to them, lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be the children of the Most High, because he, is kind, even to the ungrateful, and even to the wicked.” Luke 6:34-35
“God will not forget the work you’ve done and the love you’ve shown him caring for and helping other people.” Hebrews 6:10