What practical steps can deepen our love for Christ in our community? A Sobering Call to Love (1 Corinthians 16:22) “If anyone does not love the Lord, let him be under a curse. Come, O Lord!” Paul ends his letter with a jolt. Love for Christ is not optional—it marks who truly belongs to Him. Because the warning is real, the invitation is urgent: deepen love together so no one in our fellowship drifts into coldness or curse. Personal Practices That Ignite Communal Love • Daily Scripture immersion—meet Him on every page. (Luke 24:27) • Lingering, affectionate prayer—speak to Him as “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) • Quick, honest repentance—clear the debris that muffles affection. (Psalm 51:10) • Obedience in the small things—“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” (John 14:15) • Regular remembrance at the Table—“Do this in remembrance of Me.” (1 Corinthians 11:24) Turning Individual Flame into Congregational Fire 1. Scripture-Centered Worship – Sing lyrics saturated with His person and work. – Read passages aloud; let the Word shape our affections more than melodies. 2. Testimony Time – Carve out space for saints to share fresh evidences of Christ’s grace. – Hearing His activity in others stirs everyone’s love. (Psalm 66:16) 3. One-Another Discipleship – Pair believers to read the Gospels together, asking, “What do we see of Jesus to adore and imitate?” – Encourage gentle accountability: “How did your love for Him show up this week?” 4. Love-Motivated Service – Assign ministry roles by gifting, then remind servants: “The love of Christ compels us.” (2 Corinthians 5:14) – Celebrate unseen acts of faithfulness so that the motive stays affection, not applause. 5. Corporate Confession and Renewal – Periodically read Revelation 2:4-5; repent of lost first love as a body and return to “the works you did at first.” – Follow confession with communion to reenlist hearts in gratitude. Guardrails That Protect Growing Affection • Sound Doctrine—error distorts the Beloved’s face. (2 John 9) • Church Discipline—persistent lovelessness must be confronted, lest the whole body cool. (Matthew 18:15-17) • Watchfulness for Worldly Distractions—choose rhythms of rest, limit digital noise, prioritize face-to-face fellowship. (Mark 4:19) Practical Rhythms for the Coming Week Mon Pray Ephesians 3:17-19 for three church members by name. Tue Share one Gospel verse on your group chat, adding a sentence of praise. Wed Serve a neighbor anonymously; tell no one but Jesus. Thu Fast from media after dinner; use the time to read John 13–17 aloud with family or friends. Fri Write a note thanking someone in the church for reflecting Christ to you. Sat Prepare for Sunday by meditating on Psalm 45: “My heart is stirred by a noble theme as I recite my verses for the King.” Sun Arrive early; greet newcomers as you would greet the Lord Himself. (Matthew 25:40) Living with the Maranatha Mindset Paul finishes with “Come, O Lord!” Expectation fuels affection. Remind one another often: • He is coming soon. (Revelation 22:20) • Our present acts of love will echo into eternity. (1 Corinthians 15:58) • Every gathering is rehearsal for the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:7-9) Let us, therefore, keep stoking personal embers, fanning congregational flames, and watching the horizon. A community ablaze with love for Christ will never hear the dreadful words of curse—only the welcoming voice of the returning King. |
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