Love Works

Welcome to the Love Works Message given on 7 July 2018 at Riverside Seventh-day Adventist Christian Church in Washougal, Washington by Pastor Merrill Caviness.

An edifying illustration of FORGIVENESS from the time of the ancient Christians of Rome:

A rich man with hundreds of slaves had one by the name of Paulus, whom he trusted fully, making him steward over all his household.

One day he went with Paulus to the slave market to buy some new men. Before bargaining, they examined the human merchandise, observing their musculature to see if they were worth their price.

Paulus saw for sale a weak, old man. He implored his owner to buy this slave.

The rich man, Proculus, answered mockingly, “But he is good for nothing.” “Buy him,” Paulus insisted. “He is cheap. And I promise that the work in your household will go as never before.”

So the owner yielded. And it really was true that all the work went better than ever. But Proculus observed that Paulus now worked for two men.

The old slave did nothing. Paulus tended him, gave him the best food, and made him rest the whole time. Proculus asked Paulus, “You know I value you. I don’t mind your protecting this old man.

Only tell me who he is. Is it perhaps your father? Paulus answered,”It is one to whom I owe more than to my father.”

“Is it your teacher?” “No. Somebody to whom I owe more.” “Who is it, then?” “This is my enemy. He is the man who killed my father and sold us, the children, as slaves.

As for me, I am a disciple of Christ, Who has taught us to love our enemies and to reward evil with good.”

Do you remember the phrase What Would Jesus Do?

Husbands and wives, why do you love your spouse? Despite our defects and character flaws, we are called to love one another as Jesus Christ has loved you.

It is impossible to love everyone in our own strength. With Jesus, all things are possible. In Christ, we are able. Love Works! Love one another as God sent Jesus.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

God calls us to be perfect. Letting an enemy off the hook goes against our human nature that is hurt. What if your enemy was an entire group of people? What if someone killed your son or daughter?

The Jewish and Palestinian people have struggled to exist so close to each other. A woman named Robies had a son that served in the Israeli military. The son was killed by a Palestinian sniper.

How would Robies respond? Peace does not come through force but a changed human heart.

A Palestinian man lost his daughter. A local support group reached out to other parents who have lost a child. The group is made up of Israeli and Palestinian parents. The miracle of Love works in this support group healing broken hearts. Love Works. Remember this and choose to Love First. Jesus gave us this example. Love Works.