Love Requires an Object

In one paragraph

Pastor Gary opened with a Greek word, "alelon," that sits behind every "one another" command in the New Testament, and walked the congregation through what that web of mutual obligation looks like in practice. The sermon then moved into Ephesians 4:17 through 5:2 to show how Paul roots all of those commands in the new self that believers have already put on in Christ. The sermon started with a...

Read together

1. John 13:35 Jesus said all people will know his disciples by their love for one another
2. Ephesians 4:17 - 5:2 main text of the sermon, covering the old and new self, reciprocal commands, and walking in love
3. Romans 15:5 blessing about the God who gives endurance and encouragement giving a spirit of unity
4. Colossians 3:16 admonish one another with all wisdom and sing psalms and hymns with gratitude
5. Galatians 6:2 bear one another's burdens and fulfill the law of Christ
6. Romans 14:19 make every effort toward peace and mutual edification, building one another up
7. 1 Corinthians 12:25 care for one another, no division in the body, equal concern for each part
8. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 comfort one another with these words, reassurance about not missing the rapture
9. James 5:16 confess sins to one another and pray for each other so you may be healed
10. Romans 12:10 be devoted to one another in brotherly love, outdo one another in showing honor
11. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 encourage one another and build each other up, just as you are already doing
12. 1 John 1:7 if we walk in the light we have fellowship with one another
13. Ephesians 4:32 be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another as God in Christ forgave you
14. Colossians 3:9 do not lie to one another, having put off the old self
15. 1 Peter 4:9 offer hospitality to one another without grumbling
16. Galatians 5:13 called to be free but serve one another in love
17. Hebrews 10:24 spur one another on toward love and good deeds
18. Ephesians 5:21 submit to one another out of reverence for Christ, heading the household rules passage
19. 1 Corinthians 6 do not sue one another
20. Romans 12:2 be renewed in the spirit of your minds
21. Romans 13:8 let no debt remain except the continuing debt to love one another
22. Romans 15:5-6 closing benediction, God of endurance giving a spirit of unity as you follow Christ Jesus

Talk about it

1. Jeremy mentioned that being in the middle of God's creation made him want to exhale and remember 'it's not about me.' When has something outside of yourself helped you remember that there's a larger story going on?
2. The sermon listed many 'one another' commands from the New Testament, and the point was made that these are not hard to understand but they are hard to do. Which of those commands do you find hardest to actually live out, and why?
3. C. S. Lewis wrote that 'to love at all is to be vulnerable,' and that keeping your heart safe from being broken means it will become 'unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable.' Where have you seen that play out, either in your own life or in a community you have been part of?
4. The sermon draws a picture of the church as a lab, not just a classroom, where the 'one another' commands get worked out in real life. What does that look like practically in your week, outside of Sunday morning?
5. The set aside prayer asks God to help us set aside what we think we know about Him, about ourselves, and about other people, so we can experience those things fresh. What is something you might need to set aside right now in order to love someone in your life more honestly?