PODCAST: Living out of Love with Robert Wilson

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Episode 4: Living out of Love

Scripture:

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

‍Last Week's Challenge:

You were challenged to invite God to show you what fruit of the Spirit he would like to grow in you. What did you notice? Did you encounter any opportunities to test yourself in this area?

Podcast Summary:

It has often been said that Jesus is in the business of transforming people. He himself also said it was better that He go, and that the Holy Spirit be sent to all of us (John 16:7-11). What is it like to have the Holy Spirit working for our transformation?

Sure, it all sounds great on paper- God will change me into who I'm supposed to be. Maybe it will make me more Godly, more in tune with God, or more loving toward others. What happens when, in the midst of him transforming my life, I find I do not want to listen? Is it possible to love God, yet be offended with him, too? Can my own selfishness get in the way of God's plans for my life, and is it possible to be unoffendable?

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Discussion Questions

• "Love is a decision, not just an emotion." Who was the first person to model this in your life?
• "The mark of maturity is how unoffendable you are" - If love is a decision, does that mean offense is a decision as well?
• "So everyone that humbles himself shall be exalted…" - When, in your life, do you think you were humbled by God because you were "exalting" yourself? Where is the Lord inviting you to humble yourself so he can exalt you instead?

Link to Roberts Book:

https://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Hope-Robert-Wilson/dp/0999231308

Challenge:

Ask the Lord to help you "live out of love," and, "live unoffendable," this week. Pay special attention to times you feel you need to choose to be loving instead of judgmental, critical, or offended. Be prepared to talk about your experiences next week.

Harder Challenge: On a day where you can do something fun for yourself, do these five things (the goal is to practice being unoffendable and loving like Jesus):

1. Pray for the Lord to give you his eyes and ears and heart.

2. For no more than 3 minutes (set a timer if you must), look up a social, political, or religious website or social media page that would almost certainly offend you and stir up some of your negative emotions.

3. After a maximum of three minutes, turn off / leave your device behind you and go to a new room.

4. Now, pray for the person or people associated with your offense to be blessed, to prosper, to have loving relationships, to be good parents and children, to be filled with the love of God and his spirit, etc. Even ask God how to pray for them.

a. Remember, "I tell you love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you," (Matthew 5:44), and, "bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse." (Romans 12:14).

5. Do something fun or restful to help shake any lingering

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