Meeting Neighbors with Love and Compassion
Explore the themes from the "Loving Our Neighbors" All-Church Retreat 2014, focusing on understanding and addressing the hurts of others with empathy and kindness. Sessions cover topics like patience, compassion, forgiveness, and assuming positive intentions. Dive deep into the message of John 4:1-30 and reflect on the importance of seeing beyond presenting issues to truly connect with those in need.
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Presentation Transcript
LOVING OUR NEIGBOR CW All-Church Retreat 2014 Session 1 What Will the Neighbors Say? Getting off the Performance Track Session 2 The Crazy Neighbor When People Try Your Patience Session 3 Jumping the Neighbor s Fence Getting to People Where They Live Session 4: Oh, That Neighbor! Meeting the Hurting with an Open Heart
Oh, That Neighbor! Meeting the Hurting with an Open Heart John 4:1-30 Pastor Frank Riley Session 4 [Sunday Morning] All-Church Retreat 2014
To Meet That Neighbor You Must See the Hurt. John 4:1-30 To Meet That Neighbor You Must Understand Hurt Comes In Layers
Remember: it may have taken years for your friend to get into this mess; it may take some time to get out.
Remember: the presenting issue in your mind may not be the first issue or even the main issue.
If You Are that Neighbor, Trust the Intentions Even if the Results Have Hurt You.
Assume Hurt and Assume Jesus Heart for the Hurting. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Matthew 9:36
Assume Defensiveness and Check Yours at the Door. So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It s your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 (MSG)
Speaking the Truth into Each Other Remember you can return to the conversation. Doesn t have to happen all in one sitting. Test the Spirit where the spirit of the Lord is there is Peace. Ask yourself: Is this your word or God s.
Assume Obstacles And Check Your Route. Don t Chicken Out 1. Go have the conversation 2. Do you love them enough to challenge them 3. Do you love them enough to stay? Hit soft then Hard then Reaffirm.
Assume Obstacles And Check Your Route. Let the peace of Christ keep you in tune with each other, in step with each other. None of this going off and doing your own thing. And cultivate thankfulness. Let the Word of Chris the Message have the run of the house. Give it plenty of room in your lives. Instruct and direct one another using good common sense. And sing, sing your hearts out to God! Let every detail in your lives words, actions, whatever be done in the name of the Master, Jesus, thanking God the Father every step of the way. Colossians 3:15-17
A Final Word Stand your ground like an anvil under the hammer. A great athlete must suffer blows to conquer. And especially for God s sake must we put up with everything, so that he will put up with us. Show more enthusiasm than you do. Mark the times. Be on the alert for him who is above time, the Timeless, the Unseen, the One who became visible for our sakes, who was beyond touch and passion, yet who for our sakes became subject to suffering, and endured everything for us. Ignatius to Polycarp 2nd Cent AD
APPLICATION QUESTIONS 1. What are the risks and challenges of bypassing the presenting issues before us in favor of seeking the deeper hurt? 2. Talk about a time when your intentions were right, but your actions caused hurt? Talk about a time when you had to forgive another while remembering their good intent? 3. How might such an approach to people change the sense of welcome and safety in a congregation?
