To Be Like Christ We Love One Another, Through Everything
To be like Christ, we must love one another and demonstrate our faithfulness in small things, trusting that this will prepare us for greater responsibilities.
Ausbund preaches on the importance of loving one another as Christ did, emphasizing the need to show love not just in words but through actions. He challenges the congregation to share their blessings with those in need, highlighting that true readiness to sacrifice for others is demonstrated by our willingness to give. Ausbund warns against selfishness and urges the listeners to focus on love, as faithfulness in small matters reflects our trustworthiness in greater responsibilities.
Text
To be like Christ we love one another, through everything, here on this earth. We love one another, not just with words but in deeds. . . . If we have of this world's goods (no matter how much or how little) and see that our brother has a need, but do not share with him what we have freely received -- how can we say that we would be ready to give our lives for him if necessary?
The one who is not faithful in the smallest thing, and who still seeks his own good which his heart desires -- how can he be trusted with a charge over heavenly things? Let us keep our eyes on love!
-- Ausbund, 119:12-14
Sermon Outline
- Love One Another points: - Not just with words, but in deeds
- Faithfulness in Small Things points: - Faithfulness in small things is a measure of faithfulness in big things
- Trust and Responsibility points: - Those who seek their own good cannot be trusted with heavenly things
- The Importance of Love points: - Love is the key to being like Christ
- Practicing Love points: - Sharing with others and being faithful in small things is a demonstration of love
Key Quotes
“If we have of this world's goods (no matter how much or how little) and see that our brother has a need, but do not share with him what we have freely received -- how can we say that we would be ready to give our lives for him if necessary?” — Ausbund
Application Points
- We should strive to be faithful in small things, as this demonstrates our trustworthiness and responsibility.
- Sharing our resources with others is a practical way to show love and demonstrate our faithfulness.
- Being like Christ requires us to prioritize love and put the needs of others before our own desires.