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Reflecting Love
Sermon Summary
Kristie Misdom (Lead Minister) emphasises that as individuals and as a community, we are called to reflect God's love and character to the world, embodying His presence and unity through our interactions and faith.
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In this sermon, we continue our series on reflecting God's love, focusing on what it means to be human and how we can live in God's image. Our foundational text is from Genesis 1:26-28, where God creates mankind in His image and gives us the responsibility to rule over the earth. This ruling is not about domination but about reflecting God's character—His love, grace, and compassion—into the world.
We are like angled mirrors, reflecting God's love to the world and returning praise and worship to Him. This reflection is not just an individual task but a communal one. The Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—exemplifies perfect community and relationship. We, as individuals and as a church, are called to reflect this divine community. Our interactions, our togetherness, and our collective worship all contribute to this reflection.
However, our communities have often failed to reflect God's love perfectly due to our brokenness and sin. The analogy of a mirror ball helps us understand this better. A mirror ball doesn't have its own light; it reflects light that shines upon it. Similarly, we need God's light to shine on us to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect God's character.
We can be confident in God's character and His Word, which serves as a firm foundation. This confidence allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him.
Reflecting God's love also means being present with others for their good, as Scott McKnight suggests. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality. As we celebrate 140 years of our faith community, we are reminded of the diverse ways Christians have reflected God's love throughout history. Our legacy should be one of confidence in God's character and a commitment to being a non-anxious presence in our fragile world.
Key Takeaways
1. Reflecting God's Image: Being human means living in God's image, reflecting His love, grace, and compassion into the world. This is not about domination but about stewardship and care, mirroring the character of our Creator.
2. Community and Trinity: The Trinity exemplifies perfect community and relationship. As individuals and as a church, we are called to reflect this divine community. Our collective worship and interactions are crucial in reflecting God's love.
3. The Mirror Ball Analogy: Like a mirror ball that needs external light to shine, we need God's light to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect His character.
4. Confidence in God's Character: Our confidence in God's character and His Word allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him.
5. Being Present for Others: Reflecting God's love means being present with others for their good. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality, showing that love is a commitment to be present with another for their benefit.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Peace in the Midst of Trouble
Scripture:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Jesus doesn't sugarcoat the reality of life. He tells us plainly that we will have trouble. But He also provides the antidote to our anxiety: His peace. This peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Jesus in the midst of it. As we navigate our daily lives, let's remember that our peace comes from Him, not from our circumstances.
Reflection:
In your interactions with others, especially in times of difficulty, consider how you can be a source of calm and reassurance. Your confidence in Jesus can be a powerful testimony.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promise of peace in the midst of my troubles. Help me to take heart and trust in Your victory over the world. May I reflect Your love and peace to those around me, being a non-anxious presence in a world filled with anxiety. Fill me with Your Spirit, so I can be confident in Your character and Your Word. Amen.
Day 2: Community and Trinity
Scripture:
John 17:20-23
"I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given to them, that they may be one even as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
The Trinity exemplifies perfect community and relationship. As individuals and as a church, we are called to reflect this divine community. Our collective worship and interactions are crucial in reflecting God's love. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit model a perfect relationship of love, unity, and mutual submission. We are invited to mirror this divine community in our relationships with one another, fostering a sense of togetherness and mutual support. Our church community should be a place where God's love is evident in our interactions and collective worship.
Reflection:
How can you contribute to the sense of community and unity within your church? What specific actions can you take to reflect the love and unity of the Trinity in your relationships?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus I pray for my church community, that we would reflect the unity and diversity of You as a Trinity. I ask You to help us to live in harmony, valuing each other's unique gifts and perspectives. Amen
Day 3: The Mirror Ball Analogy
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 4:6
"For God, who said, 'Let light shine out of darkness,' has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
Like a mirror ball that needs external light to shine, we need God's light to reflect His love effectively. Without God, our community might still do good things, but it won't reflect His character. The analogy of a mirror ball helps us understand that we do not have our own light; we reflect the light that shines upon us. Similarly, we need God's presence and guidance to truly reflect His love and character in our lives. Without His light, our efforts may be good but will lack the divine quality that comes from being in relationship with Him.
Reflection:
In what areas of your life do you need to invite God's light to shine more brightly? How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes reflect His character more effectively?
Prayer:
Lord God, please help me reflect Your character in all that I do. I pray for the ability to do good not just for the sake of doing good, but to truly reflect Your love and grace. Amen
Day 4: Confidence in God's Character
Scripture:
Isaiah 26:3-4
"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
Our confidence in God's character and His Word allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with reasons for anxiety. Jesus assures us that despite the troubles in this world, He has overcome it, and we can find peace in Him. This confidence is rooted in the unchanging nature of God and His promises. When we trust in His character, we can navigate life's challenges with a sense of peace and assurance, knowing that He is in control and that His plans for us are good.
Reflection:
What are some specific anxieties or worries you are facing today? How can you shift your focus to trust in God's character and promises, allowing His peace to fill your heart?
Prayer:
Lord, I pray for the ability to be a non-anxious presence in a world filled with anxiety. I ask You to fill me with Your peace and confidence, I trust in Your character and promises. Amen.
Day 5: Being Present for Others
Scripture:
Romans 12:15-16
"Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight."
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
Reflecting God's love means being present with others for their good. This presence mirrors Jesus' love and hospitality, showing that love is a commitment to be present with another for their benefit. Being present with others involves more than just physical presence; it means being emotionally and spiritually available, offering support, encouragement, and genuine care. This kind of presence reflects the love and hospitality of Jesus, who was always fully present with those He encountered, offering them His undivided attention and compassion. [42:38]
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who needs your presence and support today. How can you be more present with them, offering your time, attention, and care in a way that reflects Jesus' love and hospitality?
Prayer:
Lord God I pray that you would show me specific ways I can be present for others in my community. I pray for opportunities to serve and support those around me, reflecting Your love in tangible ways. Amen
Day 6: Reflecting God's Love in Community
Scripture:
Romans 12:4-5
'For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/59...
Devotional:
In Kristie's sermon, we learned about the importance of community in reflecting God's love. Just as a mirror ball needs many mirrors to create a beautiful display, we need each other to fully reflect God's love to the world. Romans 12:4-5 reminds us that we are all part of one body in Christ, each with unique roles and functions. When we come together, we create a powerful reflection of God's love that we could never achieve alone.
Reflection:
Spend a few moments in silence, allowing God to speak to your heart. Thank Him for His love and for the opportunity to reflect His character in the world.
Prayer:
Lord, help us to embrace our roles within the body of Christ. May we work together in unity, reflecting Your love to those around us. Teach us to value each member of our community and to recognise the unique contributions each person brings. Amen.
Day 7: Abounding in Love and Faithfulness
Scripture:
Exodus 34:6
'And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord , the Lord , the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
God's love is not just sufficient; it abounds. It overflows and is more than enough for every situation. His faithfulness means He is reliable and trustworthy. As we reflect God's love, we should aim to love others abundantly and be faithful in our relationships and commitments. This kind of love and faithfulness can transform our communities and bring glory to God.
Reflection:
In what ways can you show love in your daily interactions? What acts of kindness, words of encouragement, or being a listening ear can you do for others today? Let your love overflow just as God's love overflows for you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your abounding love and faithfulness! Thank You that You also declare Yourself to be compassionate and gracious. Please help me to be more like You. Amen.
