In this chapter, Francis takes a bit of a turn and starts to talk more about love. He says that guilt and fear are not the antidote to lukewarm, selfish, comfortable living. Instead, the answer is love. He also says when we are loving, we can't sin. Do you believe this is true? If so, why?
A key concept that he hits on is that when we are pursuing love, running after Christ, we won't wonder "Am I doing this right? or Did I serve enough this week?" As long as we are pursuing Him, we are satisfied in Him. When we are serving out of obligation and not love, we can get tired really fast. Was there a time when you've been tired of serving or have had these thoughts?
Francis writes, "I think we naturally assume that if we look out for our own interests and concerns, we will be happy." A self-centered life seems to be the answer to happiness at times. But it truly is a lie from the enemy. Francis continues, "People generally do find greater joy in giving freely to others than they do in rampant self-indulgence." When have you found joy in giving to someone or meeting someone else's needs?
Something my wife always says is "You can't out-give God." Francis points this out also. In Malachi 3, God challenges the Israelites to bring in the whole tithe and He promises to bless them if they do: "Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it." It is a direct challenge from God. Can you think of a time when you gave and shortly-thereafter God blessed you?
When motivated by fear and guilt, serving others or God feels like work. "But when we truly love Christ, our work is a manifestation of that love, and it feels like love," Francis writes. Don't try to earn God's love through serving. Choose to love Him and the rest will come naturally. Read God's word and you'll find many reasons to love Him. His love for us "surpasses knowledge", Eph 3:19. When have you experienced growth your love for God?
Summary Questions:
- When we are loving, we can't sin. Do you believe this is true? If so, why?
- Was there a time when you've been tired of serving or have had these thoughts?
- When have you found joy in giving to someone or meeting someone else's needs?
- Can you think of a time when you gave and shortly-thereafter God blessed you?
- When have you experienced growth your love for God?
Wow those are some challenging and convicting questions! Thanks for writing this chapter recap and for sharing it! Found it resourceful.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked it. It's a great book!
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