Uncommon Love

Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley and I'm Welcome. My name is Bruce Wesley and I'm the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community the lead pastor of Clear Creek Community Church. You should know that Clear Creek Church. You should know that Clear Creek Church. You should know that Clear Creek is made up of multiple campuses located is made up of multiple campuses located is made up of multiple campuses located throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And throughout the Bay Area of Houston. And while we're so glad that you've joined while we're so glad that you've joined while we're so glad that you've joined us here to watch this sermon today, I us here to watch this sermon today, I us here to watch this sermon today, I want to invite you to make plans to want to invite you to make plans to want to invite you to make plans to check us out in person at the campus check us out in person at the campus check us out in person at the campus nearest you to see what worshiping and nearest you to see what worshiping and nearest you to see what worshiping and living in community as a people of hope living in community as a people of hope living in community as a people of hope is really all about. And you can visit is really all about. And you can visit is really all about. And you can visit us at clearcreteak.org or to find us at clearcreteak.org or to find us at clearcreteak.org or to find information about our locations, service information about our locations, service information about our locations, service times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you times, and much more. We hope to see you soon. soon. soon. So, I know this might be a room divider, So, I know this might be a room divider, So, I know this might be a room divider, but some of you are really big into but some of you are really big into but some of you are really big into spicy food, and some people are totally spicy food, and some people are totally spicy food, and some people are totally against it. You can't handle anything. against it. You can't handle anything. against it. You can't handle anything. Uh, so I'm curious, who's who's the Uh, so I'm curious, who's who's the Uh, so I'm curious, who's who's the spicy people around here? Oh, all right. spicy people around here? Oh, all right. spicy people around here? Oh, all right. Yeah, dude. We from the south. This is Yeah, dude. We from the south. This is Yeah, dude. We from the south. This is Texas right here. So, I like spicy food Texas right here. So, I like spicy food Texas right here. So, I like spicy food and I'm not like a nut about it. Like and I'm not like a nut about it. Like and I'm not like a nut about it. Like I'm not like as as much as some people, I'm not like as as much as some people, I'm not like as as much as some people, but it's enough that I I have a little but it's enough that I I have a little but it's enough that I I have a little bit of a tolerance. And so if I go to bit of a tolerance. And so if I go to bit of a tolerance. And so if I go to some restaurant and they got on the menu some restaurant and they got on the menu some restaurant and they got on the menu like five flames and they're like, "Oh like five flames and they're like, "Oh like five flames and they're like, "Oh man, you're going to have to sign a man, you're going to have to sign a man, you're going to have to sign a waiver." It's like, "Okay, guy. Just waiver." It's like, "Okay, guy. Just waiver." It's like, "Okay, guy. Just give me the wings, bro. Like I know what give me the wings, bro. Like I know what give me the wings, bro. Like I know what I'm about, son."

I'm about, son." I'm about, son." But there have been times where I'm But there have been times where I'm But there have been times where I'm totally wrong about that. Like my totally wrong about that. Like my totally wrong about that. Like my definition of spicy is nowhere near definition of spicy is nowhere near definition of spicy is nowhere near theirs. Theirs is like off the chart. theirs. Theirs is like off the chart. theirs. Theirs is like off the chart. like tears, burning lips, snot, like it like tears, burning lips, snot, like it like tears, burning lips, snot, like it does not go well at all. And I'm paying does not go well at all. And I'm paying does not go well at all. And I'm paying for it. And it just goes to show that for it. And it just goes to show that for it. And it just goes to show that that definitions matter. How we define that definitions matter. How we define that definitions matter. How we define things actually do matter. Like if you things actually do matter. Like if you things actually do matter. Like if you and someone else have different and someone else have different and someone else have different operating definitions of something, operating definitions of something, operating definitions of something, things can go wrong pretty quickly. Like things can go wrong pretty quickly. Like things can go wrong pretty quickly. Like take the word love. Love is a word that take the word love. Love is a word that take the word love. Love is a word that that we use in different ways. Uh maybe that we use in different ways. Uh maybe that we use in different ways. Uh maybe you say, "Man, I love a certain song or you say, "Man, I love a certain song or you say, "Man, I love a certain song or a certain food. I love this vacation a certain food. I love this vacation a certain food. I love this vacation spot. like I love the mountains or I spot. like I love the mountains or I spot. like I love the mountains or I love the beach. You love your dog. We love the beach. You love your dog. We love the beach. You love your dog. We also love people. You love your spouse, also love people. You love your spouse, also love people. You love your spouse, your kids, your friends. Maybe you're your kids, your friends. Maybe you're your kids, your friends. Maybe you're dating someone and you've gotten to that dating someone and you've gotten to that dating someone and you've gotten to that point where you said I love you, right? point where you said I love you, right? point where you said I love you, right? It's a big deal. So, we use the word It's a big deal. So, we use the word It's a big deal. So, we use the word love in different ways and our love in different ways and our love in different ways and our definition kind of changes based on what definition kind of changes based on what definition kind of changes based on what or who we're talking about. And most of or who we're talking about. And most of or who we're talking about. And most of the time that doesn't get us in trouble, the time that doesn't get us in trouble, the time that doesn't get us in trouble, but sometimes in relationships but sometimes in relationships but sometimes in relationships specifically, it can. Like if you're in specifically, it can. Like if you're in specifically, it can. Like if you're in a romantic relationship with someone, a romantic relationship with someone, a romantic relationship with someone, like you're dating or you're married and like you're dating or you're married and like you're dating or you're married and your definition of love is based on what your definition of love is based on what your definition of love is based on what you've seen in romcoms or reality TV, you've seen in romcoms or reality TV, you've seen in romcoms or reality TV, it's going to get a little bit bumpy.

it's going to get a little bit bumpy. it's going to get a little bit bumpy. Like you can't get your definition from Like you can't get your definition from Like you can't get your definition from Love Island, okay? It's not going to go Love Island, okay? It's not going to go Love Island, okay? It's not going to go well. So today, we're going to look at well. So today, we're going to look at well. So today, we're going to look at the definition of love and we're going the definition of love and we're going the definition of love and we're going to see how Jesus defines love for us. to see how Jesus defines love for us. to see how Jesus defines love for us. Specifically, how it operates within the Specifically, how it operates within the Specifically, how it operates within the community of his people, the church. So, community of his people, the church. So, community of his people, the church. So, we're wrapping up a series called we're wrapping up a series called we're wrapping up a series called Uncommon Community where each week we're Uncommon Community where each week we're Uncommon Community where each week we're talking about a specific characteristic talking about a specific characteristic talking about a specific characteristic of the community that God calls us into of the community that God calls us into of the community that God calls us into through the good news of Jesus, the through the good news of Jesus, the through the good news of Jesus, the gospel. And so, in the first two weeks, gospel. And so, in the first two weeks, gospel. And so, in the first two weeks, we talked about how this community, the we talked about how this community, the we talked about how this community, the people that God has called us into, they people that God has called us into, they people that God has called us into, they operate in such a way that that we want operate in such a way that that we want operate in such a way that that we want to be honest, open and honest with our to be honest, open and honest with our to be honest, open and honest with our brokenness and our sin. We want to brokenness and our sin. We want to brokenness and our sin. We want to accept people who are different from us accept people who are different from us accept people who are different from us and love them really well. Those are and love them really well. Those are and love them really well. Those are fundamental to who we are as a community fundamental to who we are as a community fundamental to who we are as a community of people even though it is pretty of people even though it is pretty of people even though it is pretty uncommon when you compare it to the rest uncommon when you compare it to the rest uncommon when you compare it to the rest of the world. And so today we're going of the world. And so today we're going of the world. And so today we're going to talk about love. And Jesus describes to talk about love. And Jesus describes to talk about love. And Jesus describes two kinds of love. Common love which we two kinds of love. Common love which we two kinds of love. Common love which we see all around us in the world today and see all around us in the world today and see all around us in the world today and uncommon love. A kind of love that not uncommon love. A kind of love that not uncommon love. A kind of love that not only characterizes and shapes the only characterizes and shapes the only characterizes and shapes the community of God's people, but also has community of God's people, but also has community of God's people, but also has the power to impact all those who this the power to impact all those who this the power to impact all those who this community comes in contact with. So, if community comes in contact with. So, if community comes in contact with. So, if you have your Bible, I want you to open you have your Bible, I want you to open you have your Bible, I want you to open to Luke chapter 6. We're going to start to Luke chapter 6. We're going to start to Luke chapter 6. We're going to start in verse 32 today. And we're going to in verse 32 today. And we're going to in verse 32 today. And we're going to see how Jesus describes these two kinds see how Jesus describes these two kinds see how Jesus describes these two kinds of love. And he begins with a a of love. And he begins with a a of love. And he begins with a a description of common love. And so, description of common love. And so, description of common love. And so, here's what he says in Luke 6 starting here's what he says in Luke 6 starting here's what he says in Luke 6 starting in verse 32.

in verse 32. in verse 32. He says, "If you love those who love He says, "If you love those who love He says, "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For you, what benefit is that to you? For you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them? even sinners love those who love them? even sinners love those who love them? If you do good to those who do good to If you do good to those who do good to If you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For you, what benefit is that to you? For you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same? And if you even sinners do the same? And if you even sinners do the same? And if you lend to those from whom you expect to lend to those from whom you expect to lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? receive, what credit is that to you? receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners and get Even sinners lend to sinners and get Even sinners lend to sinners and get back the same amount. back the same amount. back the same amount. So Jesus lists off these three different So Jesus lists off these three different So Jesus lists off these three different rhetorical questions. He gives different rhetorical questions. He gives different rhetorical questions. He gives different answers or similar answers to each one. answers or similar answers to each one. answers or similar answers to each one. It's all getting to the same point. He's It's all getting to the same point. He's It's all getting to the same point. He's describing common love. Now, when I say describing common love. Now, when I say describing common love. Now, when I say common love, like you should know that common love, like you should know that common love, like you should know that this isn't bad kind of love. Like Jesus this isn't bad kind of love. Like Jesus this isn't bad kind of love. Like Jesus isn't railing against loving people who isn't railing against loving people who isn't railing against loving people who will love you back. He's simply pointing will love you back. He's simply pointing will love you back. He's simply pointing out this is the common def definition of out this is the common def definition of out this is the common def definition of love. This is how everybody loves. So I love. This is how everybody loves. So I love. This is how everybody loves. So I want to talk about three different want to talk about three different want to talk about three different characteristics of this kind of love. characteristics of this kind of love. characteristics of this kind of love. The first characteristic of common love The first characteristic of common love The first characteristic of common love is that it is reciprocal. It's is that it is reciprocal. It's is that it is reciprocal. It's reciprocal meaning that it's a tradeoff reciprocal meaning that it's a tradeoff reciprocal meaning that it's a tradeoff that I'm going to love the people who that I'm going to love the people who that I'm going to love the people who are going to love me back just as Jesus are going to love me back just as Jesus are going to love me back just as Jesus said. So think of it like uh like said. So think of it like uh like said. So think of it like uh like Christmas gift giving. Like I don't know Christmas gift giving. Like I don't know Christmas gift giving. Like I don't know if you do this with your family or maybe if you do this with your family or maybe if you do this with your family or maybe your your work or a group of friends.

your your work or a group of friends. your your work or a group of friends. you decide we're all going to give each you decide we're all going to give each you decide we're all going to give each other Christmas gifts this year. And if other Christmas gifts this year. And if other Christmas gifts this year. And if you're going to do that, you know, you you're going to do that, you know, you you're going to do that, you know, you you got to kind of have to set up the you got to kind of have to set up the you got to kind of have to set up the ground rules for this. Maybe you're ground rules for this. Maybe you're ground rules for this. Maybe you're going to draw some names cuz you want to going to draw some names cuz you want to going to draw some names cuz you want to make sure that everyone's going to give make sure that everyone's going to give make sure that everyone's going to give something, everyone's going to receive something, everyone's going to receive something, everyone's going to receive something. And then you got to set that something. And then you got to set that something. And then you got to set that limit. You can't go over that limit, but limit. You can't go over that limit, but limit. You can't go over that limit, but you don't want to get too far underneath you don't want to get too far underneath you don't want to get too far underneath that limit. Like you don't want to be that limit. Like you don't want to be that limit. Like you don't want to be the person who who gives a a $50 gift, the person who who gives a a $50 gift, the person who who gives a a $50 gift, but then you get like a regifted fruitc but then you get like a regifted fruitc but then you get like a regifted fruitc cake back. Like that's not cool. And so cake back. Like that's not cool. And so cake back. Like that's not cool. And so really the the end goal of this exchange really the the end goal of this exchange really the the end goal of this exchange of gifts is that everyone walks away of gifts is that everyone walks away of gifts is that everyone walks away feeling like they got their money's feeling like they got their money's feeling like they got their money's worth, like their giftgiving money's worth, like their giftgiving money's worth, like their giftgiving money's worth. So you buy something and you get worth. So you buy something and you get worth. So you buy something and you get something in return and and in the end something in return and and in the end something in return and and in the end nobody wins, no one loses. You all kind nobody wins, no one loses. You all kind nobody wins, no one loses. You all kind of walk away with what you put into it. of walk away with what you put into it. of walk away with what you put into it. You're all even. You're all square. Now You're all even. You're all square. Now You're all even. You're all square. Now there's nothing wrong with that. In there's nothing wrong with that. In there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, healthy relationships fact, healthy relationships fact, healthy relationships have to operate with some level of have to operate with some level of have to operate with some level of reciprocal kind of exchange here and reciprocal kind of exchange here and reciprocal kind of exchange here and there. Someone watches your kids for a there. Someone watches your kids for a there. Someone watches your kids for a date night. Maybe you trade them back date night. Maybe you trade them back date night. Maybe you trade them back and you watch their kids. You somebody and you watch their kids. You somebody and you watch their kids. You somebody feeds your your dog uh while you're away feeds your your dog uh while you're away feeds your your dog uh while you're away on vacation. You're going to feed their on vacation. You're going to feed their on vacation. You're going to feed their dog when when they're away on vacation.

dog when when they're away on vacation. dog when when they're away on vacation. You help somebody move, you better You help somebody move, you better You help somebody move, you better believe you're going to call them believe you're going to call them believe you're going to call them whenever you have to go move. And so whenever you have to go move. And so whenever you have to go move. And so Jesus isn't telling us to stop loving Jesus isn't telling us to stop loving Jesus isn't telling us to stop loving people who will love us back. He's people who will love us back. He's people who will love us back. He's simply pointing out that this is the simply pointing out that this is the simply pointing out that this is the common way of love. It's reciprocal. common way of love. It's reciprocal. common way of love. It's reciprocal. That's why he even says that that even That's why he even says that that even That's why he even says that that even sinners do this. This isn't uniquely sinners do this. This isn't uniquely sinners do this. This isn't uniquely spiritual. Like everyone does this. spiritual. Like everyone does this. spiritual. Like everyone does this. Whether you are spiritual or Whether you are spiritual or Whether you are spiritual or non-spiritual, religious, irreligious, non-spiritual, religious, irreligious, non-spiritual, religious, irreligious, Christian, atheist, or you have another Christian, atheist, or you have another Christian, atheist, or you have another system of belief that you hold to anyone system of belief that you hold to anyone system of belief that you hold to anyone can be a great neighbor. Anyone can come can be a great neighbor. Anyone can come can be a great neighbor. Anyone can come through for someone in a reciprocal kind through for someone in a reciprocal kind through for someone in a reciprocal kind of relationship. That's easy. But here's of relationship. That's easy. But here's of relationship. That's easy. But here's where the problem can arise. When where the problem can arise. When where the problem can arise. When someone doesn't love you back in the someone doesn't love you back in the someone doesn't love you back in the same way you love them. When they don't same way you love them. When they don't same way you love them. When they don't keep up their end of the bargain. When keep up their end of the bargain. When keep up their end of the bargain. When that happens, the whole deal falls that happens, the whole deal falls that happens, the whole deal falls apart. The other side of the common kind apart. The other side of the common kind apart. The other side of the common kind of love that is reciprocal is that it's of love that is reciprocal is that it's of love that is reciprocal is that it's conditional. Right? It's conditional. We conditional. Right? It's conditional. We conditional. Right? It's conditional. We bring our conditions. We bring our bring our conditions. We bring our bring our conditions. We bring our expectations into the relationship. It's expectations into the relationship. It's expectations into the relationship. It's contingent upon the other per person's contingent upon the other per person's contingent upon the other per person's performance in some way. There's a lot performance in some way. There's a lot performance in some way. There's a lot of ifs attached to it. By that I mean of ifs attached to it. By that I mean of ifs attached to it. By that I mean common love will often say, "I love you common love will often say, "I love you common love will often say, "I love you if. I love you if you perform well in if. I love you if you perform well in if. I love you if you perform well in school or on the field. I love you if school or on the field. I love you if school or on the field. I love you if you don't make too many demands on my you don't make too many demands on my you don't make too many demands on my life or you're always in a good mood or life or you're always in a good mood or life or you're always in a good mood or you don't bring a lot of drama into our you don't bring a lot of drama into our you don't bring a lot of drama into our relationship." or I'll love you if you relationship." or I'll love you if you relationship." or I'll love you if you stay pretty or handsome or wealthy or

stay pretty or handsome or wealthy or stay pretty or handsome or wealthy or smart or whatever it is. It's love with smart or whatever it is. It's love with smart or whatever it is. It's love with conditions. conditions. conditions. Now, just think about what that does. If Now, just think about what that does. If Now, just think about what that does. If if you're on the other side of that, if you're on the other side of that, if you're on the other side of that, you're in a relationship where there's a you're in a relationship where there's a you're in a relationship where there's a lot of ifs attached. Well, you're going lot of ifs attached. Well, you're going lot of ifs attached. Well, you're going to feel a lot of pressure, aren't you? to feel a lot of pressure, aren't you? to feel a lot of pressure, aren't you? Because, you know, you got to perform. Because, you know, you got to perform. Because, you know, you got to perform. You got to live up to the other person's You got to live up to the other person's You got to live up to the other person's expectations or else you risk not being expectations or else you risk not being expectations or else you risk not being loved. And that's our greatest fear. loved. And that's our greatest fear. loved. And that's our greatest fear. And so the natural response to love that And so the natural response to love that And so the natural response to love that has conditions is to be guarded because has conditions is to be guarded because has conditions is to be guarded because we don't want anyone really too far in we don't want anyone really too far in we don't want anyone really too far in because they might find out that we because they might find out that we because they might find out that we actually have some flaws, some failures. actually have some flaws, some failures. actually have some flaws, some failures. If we if they only found out that I had If we if they only found out that I had If we if they only found out that I had secrets that I didn't want anyone else secrets that I didn't want anyone else secrets that I didn't want anyone else to know about. If I were struggling in to know about. If I were struggling in to know about. If I were struggling in some relationships, a marriage, some relationships, a marriage, some relationships, a marriage, struggling with parenting, or if I did struggling with parenting, or if I did struggling with parenting, or if I did something that if they found out they something that if they found out they something that if they found out they would be very hurt by, they might push would be very hurt by, they might push would be very hurt by, they might push me away, they might not forgive me, they me away, they might not forgive me, they me away, they might not forgive me, they may not love me, and so we guard may not love me, and so we guard may not love me, and so we guard ourselves. We learn just to manage it so ourselves. We learn just to manage it so ourselves. We learn just to manage it so we don't get pushed away. And what can we don't get pushed away. And what can we don't get pushed away. And what can happen is that we end up with a whole happen is that we end up with a whole happen is that we end up with a whole bunch of people who have a whole bunch bunch of people who have a whole bunch bunch of people who have a whole bunch of relationships that are not real deep.

of relationships that are not real deep. of relationships that are not real deep. Like you can know someone for years but Like you can know someone for years but Like you can know someone for years but not really know them all that well. And not really know them all that well. And not really know them all that well. And not to stereotype this, but but guys do not to stereotype this, but but guys do not to stereotype this, but but guys do this all the time. I mean that's why you this all the time. I mean that's why you this all the time. I mean that's why you can go and and hang out with the fellas, can go and and hang out with the fellas, can go and and hang out with the fellas, right? You're golfing or fishing or cow right? You're golfing or fishing or cow right? You're golfing or fishing or cow tipping. I don't know what you and your tipping. I don't know what you and your tipping. I don't know what you and your friends do. You do a bunch of weird friends do. You do a bunch of weird friends do. You do a bunch of weird stuff out there. But you come back and stuff out there. But you come back and stuff out there. But you come back and your wife asked, "Well, man, how how's your wife asked, "Well, man, how how's your wife asked, "Well, man, how how's Tom's son doing?" I was talking to his Tom's son doing?" I was talking to his Tom's son doing?" I was talking to his wife and I know that he was out of wife and I know that he was out of wife and I know that he was out of school all last week because he was sick school all last week because he was sick school all last week because he was sick and and you're like, I don't I don't and and you're like, I don't I don't and and you're like, I don't I don't know. Well, why didn't you ask? I mean, know. Well, why didn't you ask? I mean, know. Well, why didn't you ask? I mean, that's kind of a big deal. Well, I that's kind of a big deal. Well, I that's kind of a big deal. Well, I didn't even know that he had a son. I didn't even know that he had a son. I didn't even know that he had a son. I didn't even know that he was married, didn't even know that he was married, didn't even know that he was married, you know, but he birdied 18, a shot of you know, but he birdied 18, a shot of you know, but he birdied 18, a shot of 76, and you didn't ask about that. I 76, and you didn't ask about that. I 76, and you didn't ask about that. I mean, why, you know? mean, why, you know? mean, why, you know? Now listen, I'm not saying that every Now listen, I'm not saying that every Now listen, I'm not saying that every time you go hang out with the boys that time you go hang out with the boys that time you go hang out with the boys that you got to have this deep conversation you got to have this deep conversation you got to have this deep conversation and sort of like kill the fun, but not and sort of like kill the fun, but not and sort of like kill the fun, but not knowing what's going on in their life knowing what's going on in their life knowing what's going on in their life and for them not knowing what's going on and for them not knowing what's going on and for them not knowing what's going on in your life could be an indication that in your life could be an indication that in your life could be an indication that there's this unspoken condition that you there's this unspoken condition that you there's this unspoken condition that you guys are all operating under that you're guys are all operating under that you're guys are all operating under that you're not going to talk about the deep stuff.

not going to talk about the deep stuff. not going to talk about the deep stuff. Like don't don't bring that stuff up, Like don't don't bring that stuff up, Like don't don't bring that stuff up, man. It's too dramatic. It's too weird. man. It's too dramatic. It's too weird. man. It's too dramatic. It's too weird. Like we're just going to stay on the Like we're just going to stay on the Like we're just going to stay on the surface. Which leads us to the third surface. Which leads us to the third surface. Which leads us to the third characteristic of common love. Love that characteristic of common love. Love that characteristic of common love. Love that is reciprocal, love that is conditional, is reciprocal, love that is conditional, is reciprocal, love that is conditional, is always going to be limited in some is always going to be limited in some is always going to be limited in some ways. It's always going to have its ways. It's always going to have its ways. It's always going to have its limits. There's a few different ways limits. There's a few different ways limits. There's a few different ways that they're limited. They're limited in that they're limited. They're limited in that they're limited. They're limited in depth. You know, you're always on the depth. You know, you're always on the depth. You know, you're always on the surface. You're never really going to surface. You're never really going to surface. You're never really going to know who you can count on and who will know who you can count on and who will know who you can count on and who will be with you in your darkest hour, right? be with you in your darkest hour, right? be with you in your darkest hour, right? You can have a bunch of shallow You can have a bunch of shallow You can have a bunch of shallow acquaintances, but no real deep acquaintances, but no real deep acquaintances, but no real deep community. It's also limited in time. community. It's also limited in time. community. It's also limited in time. Like if common love is contingent upon Like if common love is contingent upon Like if common love is contingent upon our performance and not failing, well, our performance and not failing, well, our performance and not failing, well, you and I both know there's going to be you and I both know there's going to be you and I both know there's going to be a point where we're going to fail each a point where we're going to fail each a point where we're going to fail each other. You will, I will, we all will. other. You will, I will, we all will. other. You will, I will, we all will. And for some, that's when the And for some, that's when the And for some, that's when the relationship comes to an end. It's when relationship comes to an end. It's when relationship comes to an end. It's when the friend stops calling, marriage ends the friend stops calling, marriage ends the friend stops calling, marriage ends in divorce, somebody decides they're in divorce, somebody decides they're in divorce, somebody decides they're done with this small group or they're done with this small group or they're done with this small group or they're done with this church, they're going to done with this church, they're going to done with this church, they're going to start going someplace else because no start going someplace else because no start going someplace else because no one's going to stick it out. Like one's going to stick it out. Like one's going to stick it out. Like there's an expiration date. It's limited there's an expiration date. It's limited there's an expiration date. It's limited in time, but it's not just limited in in time, but it's not just limited in in time, but it's not just limited in depth and time. It's also limited in its depth and time. It's also limited in its depth and time. It's also limited in its ability to impact you. Like, think about ability to impact you. Like, think about ability to impact you. Like, think about that. A relationship that is reciprocal, that. A relationship that is reciprocal, that. A relationship that is reciprocal, like, I'm going to do this, you do this, like, I'm going to do this, you do this, like, I'm going to do this, you do this, there's the trade-off, we're going to be there's the trade-off, we're going to be there's the trade-off, we're going to be even. Or a relationship that is even. Or a relationship that is even. Or a relationship that is conditional based on your performance, conditional based on your performance, conditional based on your performance, well, it's always going to be limited in well, it's always going to be limited in well, it's always going to be limited in how it's going to impact you and how it's going to impact you and how it's going to impact you and everybody else who is in it. It's not everybody else who is in it. It's not everybody else who is in it. It's not hard to imagine how possible it is in a

hard to imagine how possible it is in a hard to imagine how possible it is in a world today to have a whole bunch of world today to have a whole bunch of world today to have a whole bunch of relationships that are a mile wide and relationships that are a mile wide and relationships that are a mile wide and an inch deep where no one's being shaped an inch deep where no one's being shaped an inch deep where no one's being shaped and impacted by each other. No one's and impacted by each other. No one's and impacted by each other. No one's being called out and and challenged to being called out and and challenged to being called out and and challenged to to live in a different way to become to live in a different way to become to live in a different way to become somebody new and better and and grow somebody new and better and and grow somebody new and better and and grow where no one's being cared for and loved where no one's being cared for and loved where no one's being cared for and loved in their darkest hour. It leads to in their darkest hour. It leads to in their darkest hour. It leads to loneliness and isolation which as we loneliness and isolation which as we loneliness and isolation which as we know is prevalent in our culture all know is prevalent in our culture all know is prevalent in our culture all around us. It's a heartbreaking picture around us. It's a heartbreaking picture around us. It's a heartbreaking picture and yet it is the reality for so many. and yet it is the reality for so many. and yet it is the reality for so many. Maybe you feel that way today. Maybe you Maybe you feel that way today. Maybe you Maybe you feel that way today. Maybe you look at the relationships in your life look at the relationships in your life look at the relationships in your life and you would think I think I might have and you would think I think I might have and you would think I think I might have common community common community common community like the people around me. The the the like the people around me. The the the like the people around me. The the the relation the the characteristics of our relation the the characteristics of our relation the the characteristics of our relationship is reciprocal and it is relationship is reciprocal and it is relationship is reciprocal and it is conditional and it does feel limited. conditional and it does feel limited. conditional and it does feel limited. but I want something more. I want but I want something more. I want but I want something more. I want something better than that. The good something better than that. The good something better than that. The good news is God has actually wired you for news is God has actually wired you for news is God has actually wired you for something better than that. And if something better than that. And if something better than that. And if you're a follower of Jesus, he's called you're a follower of Jesus, he's called you're a follower of Jesus, he's called you to something better than that. So, I you to something better than that. So, I you to something better than that. So, I want us to look back at Luke chapter 6 want us to look back at Luke chapter 6 want us to look back at Luke chapter 6 and see how Jesus picks up this and see how Jesus picks up this and see how Jesus picks up this description of of love, the two description of of love, the two description of of love, the two different kinds. And after he describes different kinds. And after he describes different kinds. And after he describes what common love looks like, then he what common love looks like, then he what common love looks like, then he shows us what the community of his shows us what the community of his shows us what the community of his people, the uncommon community, what people, the uncommon community, what people, the uncommon community, what that kind of love looks like. And it is that kind of love looks like. And it is that kind of love looks like. And it is so uncommon that it even touches those so uncommon that it even touches those so uncommon that it even touches those that that we wouldn't consider loving at that that we wouldn't consider loving at that that we wouldn't consider loving at all. Here's what he says starting in

all. Here's what he says starting in all. Here's what he says starting in verse 35. verse 35. verse 35. But love your enemies and do good and But love your enemies and do good and But love your enemies and do good and lend expecting nothing in return and lend expecting nothing in return and lend expecting nothing in return and your reward will be great and you will your reward will be great and you will your reward will be great and you will be sons of the most high for he is kind be sons of the most high for he is kind be sons of the most high for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. So be to the ungrateful and the evil. So be to the ungrateful and the evil. So be merciful even as your father is merciful even as your father is merciful even as your father is merciful. merciful. merciful. Jesus says there's a whole new kind of Jesus says there's a whole new kind of Jesus says there's a whole new kind of love on the block like another way, a love on the block like another way, a love on the block like another way, a higher way that God wants you to love. higher way that God wants you to love. higher way that God wants you to love. And this is the kind of love for people And this is the kind of love for people And this is the kind of love for people that don't just love you back or willing that don't just love you back or willing that don't just love you back or willing to pay you back or will meet your to pay you back or will meet your to pay you back or will meet your expectations and therefore are easy to expectations and therefore are easy to expectations and therefore are easy to love. You're supposed to continue to love. You're supposed to continue to love. You're supposed to continue to love those people. But in addition to love those people. But in addition to love those people. But in addition to them, this is the kind of love that's them, this is the kind of love that's them, this is the kind of love that's poured out even on your enemies, people poured out even on your enemies, people poured out even on your enemies, people who are against you, people who aren't who are against you, people who aren't who are against you, people who aren't going to to reciprocate, to pay you going to to reciprocate, to pay you going to to reciprocate, to pay you back. back. back. This is the kind of uncommon love that This is the kind of uncommon love that This is the kind of uncommon love that Jesus calls his followers to have. And Jesus calls his followers to have. And Jesus calls his followers to have. And we might push back and say, "But all we might push back and say, "But all we might push back and say, "But all those people who are our enemies and are those people who are our enemies and are those people who are our enemies and are against us, like they're not going to against us, like they're not going to against us, like they're not going to pay us back. They're ungrateful and pay us back. They're ungrateful and pay us back. They're ungrateful and they're evil." And Jesus is like, "Yeah, they're evil." And Jesus is like, "Yeah, they're evil." And Jesus is like, "Yeah, that sounds familiar." And yet God was that sounds familiar." And yet God was that sounds familiar." And yet God was merciful to you when you were ungrateful merciful to you when you were ungrateful merciful to you when you were ungrateful and evil. Like if you want to follow me, and evil. Like if you want to follow me, and evil. Like if you want to follow me, if you want to be a son or a daughter of if you want to be a son or a daughter of if you want to be a son or a daughter of the most high God, well then you need to the most high God, well then you need to the most high God, well then you need to learn to be merciful as God was, learn to be merciful as God was, learn to be merciful as God was, merciful to you, to love as God has merciful to you, to love as God has merciful to you, to love as God has loved you.

loved you. loved you. Jesus said something similar to this to Jesus said something similar to this to Jesus said something similar to this to his disciples in John chapter 13. Here's his disciples in John chapter 13. Here's his disciples in John chapter 13. Here's what he said. He said, "A new what he said. He said, "A new what he said. He said, "A new commandment I give to you, that you love commandment I give to you, that you love commandment I give to you, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, one another. Just as I have loved you, one another. Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By you also are to love one another. By you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are this all people will know that you are this all people will know that you are my disciples if you love if you have my disciples if you love if you have my disciples if you love if you have love for one another. Now, you should love for one another. Now, you should love for one another. Now, you should know that by the time that Jesus was on know that by the time that Jesus was on know that by the time that Jesus was on the scene here and he's saying these the scene here and he's saying these the scene here and he's saying these words, the idea of of loving other words, the idea of of loving other words, the idea of of loving other people, loving one another, like this people, loving one another, like this people, loving one another, like this wasn't a new idea. And yet Jesus tells wasn't a new idea. And yet Jesus tells wasn't a new idea. And yet Jesus tells his disciples, "Yo, I'm about to drop a his disciples, "Yo, I'm about to drop a his disciples, "Yo, I'm about to drop a new commandment on you guys. No one's new commandment on you guys. No one's new commandment on you guys. No one's ever heard this before. Are you ready? ever heard this before. Are you ready? ever heard this before. Are you ready? Love one another." Love one another." Love one another." And the disciples are like, "Well, we And the disciples are like, "Well, we And the disciples are like, "Well, we we've actually heard that one before. we've actually heard that one before. we've actually heard that one before. Like, that's not a new idea." He's like, Like, that's not a new idea." He's like, Like, that's not a new idea." He's like, "No, it is a new idea. When you hear it "No, it is a new idea. When you hear it "No, it is a new idea. When you hear it this way, you haven't heard it like this way, you haven't heard it like this way, you haven't heard it like this. You are to love one another just this. You are to love one another just this. You are to love one another just as I have loved you." as I have loved you." as I have loved you." You see, that's the key to loving You see, that's the key to loving You see, that's the key to loving enemies, to loving one another who are enemies, to loving one another who are enemies, to loving one another who are part of your community, and loving part of your community, and loving part of your community, and loving anyone else who is in your life is to anyone else who is in your life is to anyone else who is in your life is to love the way that Jesus has loved you.

love the way that Jesus has loved you. love the way that Jesus has loved you. So, what does that actually look like? So, what does that actually look like? So, what does that actually look like? Well, I want to give you three Well, I want to give you three Well, I want to give you three characteristics of the uncommon love of characteristics of the uncommon love of characteristics of the uncommon love of Jesus, how he has loved you, and that Jesus, how he has loved you, and that Jesus, how he has loved you, and that will show us a little bit of how we will show us a little bit of how we will show us a little bit of how we might love other people in those same might love other people in those same might love other people in those same ways. So the first one is this. Uncommon ways. So the first one is this. Uncommon ways. So the first one is this. Uncommon love looks like sacrificial love. It's love looks like sacrificial love. It's love looks like sacrificial love. It's sacrificial. sacrificial. sacrificial. Unlike love that is reciprocal where the Unlike love that is reciprocal where the Unlike love that is reciprocal where the goal is just for us just to be even. goal is just for us just to be even. goal is just for us just to be even. Like I don't want it to cost anything. Like I don't want it to cost anything. Like I don't want it to cost anything. You don't want it to cost anything. You don't want it to cost anything. You don't want it to cost anything. We're just going to be square. Uncommon We're just going to be square. Uncommon We're just going to be square. Uncommon love actually cost you something. It's love actually cost you something. It's love actually cost you something. It's it's giving love without expecting it's giving love without expecting it's giving love without expecting anything in return. And this is how anything in return. And this is how anything in return. And this is how Jesus has loved us but to the extreme. Jesus has loved us but to the extreme. Jesus has loved us but to the extreme. Like on the cross, Jesus took on our Like on the cross, Jesus took on our Like on the cross, Jesus took on our sin. He died in our place. It was a sin. He died in our place. It was a sin. He died in our place. It was a sacrifice. He did for us what we sacrifice. He did for us what we sacrifice. He did for us what we couldn't do for ourselves and we could couldn't do for ourselves and we could couldn't do for ourselves and we could never pay back. This is the good news of never pay back. This is the good news of never pay back. This is the good news of the gospel. It's the ultimate picture of the gospel. It's the ultimate picture of the gospel. It's the ultimate picture of sacrificial love. And since Jesus has sacrificial love. And since Jesus has sacrificial love. And since Jesus has calling us to love others and just as he calling us to love others and just as he calling us to love others and just as he has loved us, well then we also love has loved us, well then we also love has loved us, well then we also love others and should be motivated to love others and should be motivated to love others and should be motivated to love others with the same kind of sacrificial others with the same kind of sacrificial others with the same kind of sacrificial love. Now, we won't likely be called to love. Now, we won't likely be called to love. Now, we won't likely be called to die for somebody else, although maybe die for somebody else, although maybe die for somebody else, although maybe you would. But uncommon love still you would. But uncommon love still you would. But uncommon love still sacrifices in pretty significant ways.

sacrifices in pretty significant ways. sacrifices in pretty significant ways. It puts the needs of somebody else above It puts the needs of somebody else above It puts the needs of somebody else above our own. It's likely going to cost us our own. It's likely going to cost us our own. It's likely going to cost us one of the the three most precious and one of the the three most precious and one of the the three most precious and limited commodities that we have, our limited commodities that we have, our limited commodities that we have, our time, our money, and our energy. And it time, our money, and our energy. And it time, our money, and our energy. And it is hard for us to give up our time, our is hard for us to give up our time, our is hard for us to give up our time, our money, and our energy. We don't want to money, and our energy. We don't want to money, and our energy. We don't want to do that. so easily because it cost us do that. so easily because it cost us do that. so easily because it cost us something. We know that it might not be something. We know that it might not be something. We know that it might not be reciprocated. They may not love us back. reciprocated. They may not love us back. reciprocated. They may not love us back. There there's not a good return on that There there's not a good return on that There there's not a good return on that sometimes. sometimes. sometimes. But to love like God loves, it's going But to love like God loves, it's going But to love like God loves, it's going to cost you something. Like there's a a to cost you something. Like there's a a to cost you something. Like there's a a lady, a young mom in our our church lady, a young mom in our our church lady, a young mom in our our church named Elizabeth. She's got four young named Elizabeth. She's got four young named Elizabeth. She's got four young kids. And just last week, she she heard kids. And just last week, she she heard kids. And just last week, she she heard about a need. She had a mutual friend about a need. She had a mutual friend about a need. She had a mutual friend who had a grandbaby. Someone needed to who had a grandbaby. Someone needed to who had a grandbaby. Someone needed to care for this baby for a couple of days. care for this baby for a couple of days. care for this baby for a couple of days. And Elizabeth jumped in. Now you think And Elizabeth jumped in. Now you think And Elizabeth jumped in. Now you think about that. That sounds crazy. She about that. That sounds crazy. She about that. That sounds crazy. She already has four kids. It's a whole pile already has four kids. It's a whole pile already has four kids. It's a whole pile of kids. And now she's going to take an of kids. And now she's going to take an of kids. And now she's going to take an infant and throw it on the pile. Like I infant and throw it on the pile. Like I infant and throw it on the pile. Like I wouldn't blame her if she says, "Listen, wouldn't blame her if she says, "Listen, wouldn't blame her if she says, "Listen, I got a lot going on. Like I I can't do I got a lot going on. Like I I can't do I got a lot going on. Like I I can't do this right now. It's not a good season this right now. It's not a good season this right now. It's not a good season for me." Totally understandable if she for me." Totally understandable if she for me." Totally understandable if she said no to that. But she doesn't beny.

said no to that. But she doesn't beny. said no to that. But she doesn't beny. And so for two days, she cared for this And so for two days, she cared for this And so for two days, she cared for this baby as if it was her own. And at the baby as if it was her own. And at the baby as if it was her own. And at the end of those two days, the mom was so end of those two days, the mom was so end of those two days, the mom was so grateful, wrote her a nice note, a card, grateful, wrote her a nice note, a card, grateful, wrote her a nice note, a card, gave her this envelope with this note in gave her this envelope with this note in gave her this envelope with this note in it. Elizabeth goes home and opens it up it. Elizabeth goes home and opens it up it. Elizabeth goes home and opens it up and and there's there's money in there, and and there's there's money in there, and and there's there's money in there, kind of a a payback. Thank you so much kind of a a payback. Thank you so much kind of a a payback. Thank you so much for all your trouble. Just want to give for all your trouble. Just want to give for all your trouble. Just want to give this to you." this to you." this to you." And Elizabeth sits down with her And Elizabeth sits down with her And Elizabeth sits down with her husband. They get out a note. They write husband. They get out a note. They write husband. They get out a note. They write a note back. They put that money back in a note back. They put that money back in a note back. They put that money back in the envelope and they give it back to the envelope and they give it back to the envelope and they give it back to her. And the note said something to the her. And the note said something to the her. And the note said something to the effect, listen, we're so grateful for effect, listen, we're so grateful for effect, listen, we're so grateful for your gesture here, but but you should your gesture here, but but you should your gesture here, but but you should know that we're going to we're giving know that we're going to we're giving know that we're going to we're giving this back because this is what community this back because this is what community this back because this is what community does. Like it was our joy to serve you. does. Like it was our joy to serve you. does. Like it was our joy to serve you. You don't have to pay us back and so You don't have to pay us back and so You don't have to pay us back and so we're grateful for that. Thank you for we're grateful for that. Thank you for we're grateful for that. Thank you for letting us serve you in this way. letting us serve you in this way. letting us serve you in this way. See, that's just a small everyday See, that's just a small everyday See, that's just a small everyday picture of what sacrificial love looks picture of what sacrificial love looks picture of what sacrificial love looks like. that even when someone tried to to like. that even when someone tried to to like. that even when someone tried to to pay them back and and make it even, they pay them back and and make it even, they pay them back and and make it even, they they didn't want to take it because it they didn't want to take it because it they didn't want to take it because it was their joy to serve.

was their joy to serve. was their joy to serve. And that's actually the surprising thing And that's actually the surprising thing And that's actually the surprising thing about sacrificial love is that when you about sacrificial love is that when you about sacrificial love is that when you really love someone, you're part of that really love someone, you're part of that really love someone, you're part of that community, it often doesn't actually community, it often doesn't actually community, it often doesn't actually feel all that sacrificial, feel all that sacrificial, feel all that sacrificial, like you want to do that. like it is it like you want to do that. like it is it like you want to do that. like it is it is your joy to to serve as an at an is your joy to to serve as an at an is your joy to to serve as an at an overflow of that love is to give without overflow of that love is to give without overflow of that love is to give without expecting in return to to serve without expecting in return to to serve without expecting in return to to serve without ending up square in some way. It is a ending up square in some way. It is a ending up square in some way. It is a joy to do that. So that's the first way joy to do that. So that's the first way joy to do that. So that's the first way that s that uncommon love is expressed. that s that uncommon love is expressed. that s that uncommon love is expressed. It's in sacrificial love. The second It's in sacrificial love. The second It's in sacrificial love. The second characteristic of uncommon love is that characteristic of uncommon love is that characteristic of uncommon love is that it is unconditional. it is unconditional. it is unconditional. Doesn't come with expectations. There's Doesn't come with expectations. There's Doesn't come with expectations. There's no pressure to perform. It's not no pressure to perform. It's not no pressure to perform. It's not contingent upon how that other person is contingent upon how that other person is contingent upon how that other person is going to measure up. Doesn't have any going to measure up. Doesn't have any going to measure up. Doesn't have any ifs. ifs. ifs. Romans 5'8, the Apostle Paul drives home Romans 5'8, the Apostle Paul drives home Romans 5'8, the Apostle Paul drives home the picture of Jesus unconditional love the picture of Jesus unconditional love the picture of Jesus unconditional love for us. Here's what he said. He says, for us. Here's what he said. He says, for us. Here's what he said. He says, "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that "But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

for us." for us." So notice in this passage, your state, So notice in this passage, your state, So notice in this passage, your state, my state, when Jesus died for us, it was my state, when Jesus died for us, it was my state, when Jesus died for us, it was while we were still sinners. We were while we were still sinners. We were while we were still sinners. We were still sinners, which means that God still sinners, which means that God still sinners, which means that God isn't waiting on you to clean yourself isn't waiting on you to clean yourself isn't waiting on you to clean yourself up, to measure up, to get a to become a up, to measure up, to get a to become a up, to measure up, to get a to become a better version of yourself so that he better version of yourself so that he better version of yourself so that he will then decide to love you after the will then decide to love you after the will then decide to love you after the fact. fact. fact. Like maybe you need to hear that today. Like maybe you need to hear that today. Like maybe you need to hear that today. like you've got some stuff going on in like you've got some stuff going on in like you've got some stuff going on in your life and you just kind of feel even your life and you just kind of feel even your life and you just kind of feel even just guilty and shameful coming into a just guilty and shameful coming into a just guilty and shameful coming into a place like this and singing these songs. place like this and singing these songs. place like this and singing these songs. You you think that God is just waiting You you think that God is just waiting You you think that God is just waiting on you to get your act together. That on you to get your act together. That on you to get your act together. That you got to clean yourself up. You got to you got to clean yourself up. You got to you got to clean yourself up. You got to measure up and you got to perform to a measure up and you got to perform to a measure up and you got to perform to a certain level so that God will accept certain level so that God will accept certain level so that God will accept you and love you. you and love you. you and love you. You need to know that God's love is not You need to know that God's love is not You need to know that God's love is not determined based on how lovable you are. determined based on how lovable you are. determined based on how lovable you are. But his love for you was while you were But his love for you was while you were But his love for you was while you were still a sinner and it was expressed in still a sinner and it was expressed in still a sinner and it was expressed in Jesus dying for you. You see in Jesus, Jesus dying for you. You see in Jesus, Jesus dying for you. You see in Jesus, God loves you without you having to jump God loves you without you having to jump God loves you without you having to jump over a bunch of hurdles, to check a over a bunch of hurdles, to check a over a bunch of hurdles, to check a bunch of boxes, to feel the pressure to bunch of boxes, to feel the pressure to bunch of boxes, to feel the pressure to perform. There are no conditions. Why?

perform. There are no conditions. Why? perform. There are no conditions. Why? Because Jesus already met all those Because Jesus already met all those Because Jesus already met all those conditions for you. He already performed conditions for you. He already performed conditions for you. He already performed for you. If you're a follower of Jesus, for you. If you're a follower of Jesus, for you. If you're a follower of Jesus, this is still true for you today. Like this is still true for you today. Like this is still true for you today. Like his love for you doesn't change based on his love for you doesn't change based on his love for you doesn't change based on all your ups and downs. There's nothing all your ups and downs. There's nothing all your ups and downs. There's nothing that you can do to make God love you any that you can do to make God love you any that you can do to make God love you any more or any less than he already does more or any less than he already does more or any less than he already does because his love for you is settled on because his love for you is settled on because his love for you is settled on the cross. Not based on your ongoing the cross. Not based on your ongoing the cross. Not based on your ongoing performance, but on the performance of performance, but on the performance of performance, but on the performance of Jesus on the cross. Jesus on the cross. Jesus on the cross. And so because that is true that in the And so because that is true that in the And so because that is true that in the gospel there is an unconditional love gospel there is an unconditional love gospel there is an unconditional love that God pours out for us. How can you that God pours out for us. How can you that God pours out for us. How can you then love others unconditionally? then love others unconditionally? then love others unconditionally? Maybe you need to consider where in your Maybe you need to consider where in your Maybe you need to consider where in your relationships you might have some ifs relationships you might have some ifs relationships you might have some ifs attached. attached. attached. Your kids know that that your love isn't Your kids know that that your love isn't Your kids know that that your love isn't contingent upon their performance. contingent upon their performance. contingent upon their performance. Does your spouse know that your love Does your spouse know that your love Does your spouse know that your love isn't based on some expectations that isn't based on some expectations that isn't based on some expectations that they have to measure up to? Do you have they have to measure up to? Do you have they have to measure up to? Do you have someone in your life that you've kept at someone in your life that you've kept at someone in your life that you've kept at at an arms length distance because at an arms length distance because at an arms length distance because you're just waiting for them to get you're just waiting for them to get you're just waiting for them to get their act together before you will love their act together before you will love their act together before you will love them and walk with them?

them and walk with them? them and walk with them? Where do you have ifs? And where you see Where do you have ifs? And where you see Where do you have ifs? And where you see those in there, remove those ifs and those in there, remove those ifs and those in there, remove those ifs and start to love the way that God has loved start to love the way that God has loved start to love the way that God has loved you with an unconditional kind of love. you with an unconditional kind of love. you with an unconditional kind of love. Here's the last one. Third Here's the last one. Third Here's the last one. Third characteristic of uncommon love is that characteristic of uncommon love is that characteristic of uncommon love is that it is transformative. it is transformative. it is transformative. It's transformative. It's transformative. It's transformative. You and I know the the power that love You and I know the the power that love You and I know the the power that love has to actually shape us and impact us has to actually shape us and impact us has to actually shape us and impact us in some really profound ways. That when in some really profound ways. That when in some really profound ways. That when we're loving to other people that it can we're loving to other people that it can we're loving to other people that it can shape them because we know that we have shape them because we know that we have shape them because we know that we have been shaped by someone else's love. Like been shaped by someone else's love. Like been shaped by someone else's love. Like just think of the people in your life just think of the people in your life just think of the people in your life who you would think, man, they they have who you would think, man, they they have who you would think, man, they they have loved me so well. Maybe it's a parent loved me so well. Maybe it's a parent loved me so well. Maybe it's a parent who sacrificed for you, was always who sacrificed for you, was always who sacrificed for you, was always supportive, always there for you, or a supportive, always there for you, or a supportive, always there for you, or a friend who was there, who showed up and friend who was there, who showed up and friend who was there, who showed up and just sat with you in your darkest hour. just sat with you in your darkest hour. just sat with you in your darkest hour. Maybe it was someone who went out of the Maybe it was someone who went out of the Maybe it was someone who went out of the way to serve you in a really simple way, way to serve you in a really simple way, way to serve you in a really simple way, like you were going through a a season like you were going through a a season like you were going through a a season where you were super busy with work, or where you were super busy with work, or where you were super busy with work, or maybe you were sick and they they just maybe you were sick and they they just maybe you were sick and they they just mowed your lawn for a month or maybe mowed your lawn for a month or maybe mowed your lawn for a month or maybe someone brought you a meal when you were someone brought you a meal when you were someone brought you a meal when you were grieving or when your your spouse was grieving or when your your spouse was grieving or when your your spouse was out of town and you couldn't figure out out of town and you couldn't figure out out of town and you couldn't figure out how to turn the oven on. I mean, they how to turn the oven on. I mean, they how to turn the oven on. I mean, they just they just stepped in and served just they just stepped in and served just they just stepped in and served you. You remember people like that? You you. You remember people like that? You you. You remember people like that? You remember moments like that when you were remember moments like that when you were remember moments like that when you were loved and that has the power to loved and that has the power to loved and that has the power to transform you. You start to think, man, transform you. You start to think, man, transform you. You start to think, man, I I want to love people like that. Like

I I want to love people like that. Like I I want to love people like that. Like I want to love people and step in and I want to love people and step in and I want to love people and step in and serve people the way that I was when I serve people the way that I was when I serve people the way that I was when I was in this situation. And so you start was in this situation. And so you start was in this situation. And so you start to see those opportunities and it to see those opportunities and it to see those opportunities and it motivates you to love others in the way motivates you to love others in the way motivates you to love others in the way that you have been loved because it is that you have been loved because it is that you have been loved because it is transformative. It shapes you and you transformative. It shapes you and you transformative. It shapes you and you want to be a part of the shaping of want to be a part of the shaping of want to be a part of the shaping of other people. Again, there's no greater other people. Again, there's no greater other people. Again, there's no greater example of this than looking at the example of this than looking at the example of this than looking at the transformational love of Jesus for us in transformational love of Jesus for us in transformational love of Jesus for us in the gospel. 1 John 4. We read this the gospel. 1 John 4. We read this the gospel. 1 John 4. We read this earlier before we began says, "In this earlier before we began says, "In this earlier before we began says, "In this is love, not that we have loved God, but is love, not that we have loved God, but is love, not that we have loved God, but that he loved us and sent his son to be that he loved us and sent his son to be that he loved us and sent his son to be the propitiation for our sins." Beloved, the propitiation for our sins." Beloved, the propitiation for our sins." Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to if God so loved us, we also ought to if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. So notice in this love one another. So notice in this love one another. So notice in this passage that love doesn't begin by us passage that love doesn't begin by us passage that love doesn't begin by us loving God. It actually begins by him loving God. It actually begins by him loving God. It actually begins by him loving us. We have to receive his love loving us. We have to receive his love loving us. We have to receive his love first. And when you receive his love by first. And when you receive his love by first. And when you receive his love by trusting in Jesus, well then you are trusting in Jesus, well then you are trusting in Jesus, well then you are transformed by that love. Like in an transformed by that love. Like in an transformed by that love. Like in an instant, but then over time as well, you instant, but then over time as well, you instant, but then over time as well, you become a new person. You go from death become a new person. You go from death become a new person. You go from death to life. You now have a a new identity.

to life. You now have a a new identity. to life. You now have a a new identity. You're now a son or daughter of the most You're now a son or daughter of the most You're now a son or daughter of the most high. You have new desires to obey God high. You have new desires to obey God high. You have new desires to obey God and to put him first in your life. and to put him first in your life. and to put him first in your life. You're now part of a new community, the You're now part of a new community, the You're now part of a new community, the uncommon community of God's people. You uncommon community of God's people. You uncommon community of God's people. You have a new purpose. You want to love have a new purpose. You want to love have a new purpose. You want to love other people the way that God has loved other people the way that God has loved other people the way that God has loved you. Even if that means loving your you. Even if that means loving your you. Even if that means loving your enemies, those who are ungrateful and enemies, those who are ungrateful and enemies, those who are ungrateful and evil in your mind. If God has loved us, evil in your mind. If God has loved us, evil in your mind. If God has loved us, we also ought to love one another. we also ought to love one another. we also ought to love one another. So here's the point. When you receive So here's the point. When you receive So here's the point. When you receive the unccoming transformative love of the unccoming transformative love of the unccoming transformative love of Jesus, Jesus, Jesus, then loving others with the same kind of then loving others with the same kind of then loving others with the same kind of love starts to just feel normal and love starts to just feel normal and love starts to just feel normal and natural. natural. natural. Because when you do, they're starting Because when you do, they're starting Because when you do, they're starting now to get glimpses of of God's love for now to get glimpses of of God's love for now to get glimpses of of God's love for them. Like they can be transformed by them. Like they can be transformed by them. Like they can be transformed by the same love that God has poured into the same love that God has poured into the same love that God has poured into you and now you are now pouring into you and now you are now pouring into you and now you are now pouring into them. they start to see, oh, this is them. they start to see, oh, this is them. they start to see, oh, this is what God's love is like.

what God's love is like. what God's love is like. Years ago, there was a couple who's a Years ago, there was a couple who's a Years ago, there was a couple who's a part of our church uh today and and back part of our church uh today and and back part of our church uh today and and back then that they were going through then that they were going through then that they were going through terrible marital struggles, like their terrible marital struggles, like their terrible marital struggles, like their marriage was on the brink of falling marriage was on the brink of falling marriage was on the brink of falling apart. They had been drifting apart for apart. They had been drifting apart for apart. They had been drifting apart for a long time, but then it it came to a long time, but then it it came to a long time, but then it it came to light that the husband who traveled light that the husband who traveled light that the husband who traveled extensively for work was having affairs extensively for work was having affairs extensively for work was having affairs all around the world. And so she was all around the world. And so she was all around the world. And so she was devastated, devastated, devastated, betrayed. betrayed. betrayed. And this guy, he grew up in a family And this guy, he grew up in a family And this guy, he grew up in a family where you just buried everything. Like where you just buried everything. Like where you just buried everything. Like you kept all your problems hidden. You you kept all your problems hidden. You you kept all your problems hidden. You didn't want anyone to to figure that didn't want anyone to to figure that didn't want anyone to to figure that out, right? You just guarded it. You out, right? You just guarded it. You out, right? You just guarded it. You buried it. It's how it was. Everyone did buried it. It's how it was. Everyone did buried it. It's how it was. Everyone did it that way. And so he was confronted it that way. And so he was confronted it that way. And so he was confronted with his betrayal and he understood he with his betrayal and he understood he with his betrayal and he understood he had a choice, two choices. He could had a choice, two choices. He could had a choice, two choices. He could either face the mess that he created, either face the mess that he created, either face the mess that he created, ask for forgiveness, and seek to restore ask for forgiveness, and seek to restore ask for forgiveness, and seek to restore his marriage, or he could give up, get a his marriage, or he could give up, get a his marriage, or he could give up, get a divorce, and continue to run. Run from divorce, and continue to run. Run from divorce, and continue to run. Run from God, run from his wife and his family, God, run from his wife and his family, God, run from his wife and his family, to run from his problems.

to run from his problems. to run from his problems. So, he goes to his wife, and he asked So, he goes to his wife, and he asked So, he goes to his wife, and he asked for a divorce. for a divorce. for a divorce. Now during this time of of turmoil Now during this time of of turmoil Now during this time of of turmoil within their relationship, the wife had within their relationship, the wife had within their relationship, the wife had been seeking God. I mean she started been seeking God. I mean she started been seeking God. I mean she started coming to church. She hears about the coming to church. She hears about the coming to church. She hears about the uncommon love of Jesus, the sacrificial, uncommon love of Jesus, the sacrificial, uncommon love of Jesus, the sacrificial, the unconditional, the the the unconditional, the the the unconditional, the the transformative love. And she becomes a transformative love. And she becomes a transformative love. And she becomes a follower of Jesus. She trusts in Jesus follower of Jesus. She trusts in Jesus follower of Jesus. She trusts in Jesus and becomes a Christian. And so she's and becomes a Christian. And so she's and becomes a Christian. And so she's now trying to wrestle through this whole now trying to wrestle through this whole now trying to wrestle through this whole thing. She's wanting to to make the thing. She's wanting to to make the thing. She's wanting to to make the marriage stick. She's wanting to marriage stick. She's wanting to marriage stick. She's wanting to forgive. She's wanting to love him forgive. She's wanting to love him forgive. She's wanting to love him really well, but eventually it gets to really well, but eventually it gets to really well, but eventually it gets to the point where where she has to just the point where where she has to just the point where where she has to just give in. She she goes to him and she give in. She she goes to him and she give in. She she goes to him and she says, "Listen, I I will give you the says, "Listen, I I will give you the says, "Listen, I I will give you the divorce that you are wanting, divorce that you are wanting, divorce that you are wanting, but you need to know that I'm going to but you need to know that I'm going to but you need to know that I'm going to continue to pray for you. I'm going to continue to pray for you. I'm going to continue to pray for you. I'm going to pray that God moves in your heart in pray that God moves in your heart in pray that God moves in your heart in such a way that that you know the love such a way that that you know the love such a way that that you know the love that that I now know, that I've that that I now know, that I've that that I now know, that I've experienced. That's what I want for experienced. That's what I want for experienced. That's what I want for you." And she did. She prayed for him you." And she did. She prayed for him you." And she did. She prayed for him and it was just a few days later that and it was just a few days later that and it was just a few days later that the Holy Spirit just wrecks this dude.

the Holy Spirit just wrecks this dude. the Holy Spirit just wrecks this dude. Like he is confronted and convicted of Like he is confronted and convicted of Like he is confronted and convicted of his sin. God moves in a some powerful his sin. God moves in a some powerful his sin. God moves in a some powerful ways where he realizes that that he is ways where he realizes that that he is ways where he realizes that that he is he is way wrong. But there's an he is way wrong. But there's an he is way wrong. But there's an invitation for him to come back and he invitation for him to come back and he invitation for him to come back and he becomes a follower of Jesus. becomes a follower of Jesus. becomes a follower of Jesus. instead of hiding in his shame and his instead of hiding in his shame and his instead of hiding in his shame and his guilt and running from his problems, he guilt and running from his problems, he guilt and running from his problems, he he finally surrenders his life to Jesus. he finally surrenders his life to Jesus. he finally surrenders his life to Jesus. And so they come back together. They go And so they come back together. They go And so they come back together. They go through a long period of of restoring through a long period of of restoring through a long period of of restoring what was broken. They go through a fair what was broken. They go through a fair what was broken. They go through a fair recovery. recovery. recovery. And then years later now, they look back And then years later now, they look back And then years later now, they look back and they see how God has restored and and they see how God has restored and and they see how God has restored and redeemed their marriage. They had kids redeemed their marriage. They had kids redeemed their marriage. They had kids that were impacted by that in a positive that were impacted by that in a positive that were impacted by that in a positive way. They even have grandkids. way. They even have grandkids. way. They even have grandkids. And so when they look back, they see And so when they look back, they see And so when they look back, they see this multigenerational this multigenerational this multigenerational impact of how God has moved in them that impact of how God has moved in them that impact of how God has moved in them that transforms their whole family.

transforms their whole family. transforms their whole family. Now listen, I know that's not everyone's Now listen, I know that's not everyone's Now listen, I know that's not everyone's story. I know that there's a lot of story. I know that there's a lot of story. I know that there's a lot of stories like that that don't have a stories like that that don't have a stories like that that don't have a happy ending. And it may make you happy ending. And it may make you happy ending. And it may make you wonder, where is God and all that? Does wonder, where is God and all that? Does wonder, where is God and all that? Does God love me like that? like why didn't God love me like that? like why didn't God love me like that? like why didn't why didn't it work for me when I prayed why didn't it work for me when I prayed why didn't it work for me when I prayed for my spouse for my spouse for my spouse and I don't know and I don't know and I don't know I all I know is this I all I know is this I all I know is this that in stories like this you get a that in stories like this you get a that in stories like this you get a glimpse of the power of God's love when glimpse of the power of God's love when glimpse of the power of God's love when the unconditional love of Jesus the the the unconditional love of Jesus the the the unconditional love of Jesus the the sacrificial love of Jesus the sacrificial love of Jesus the sacrificial love of Jesus the transformative love of Jesus the transformative love of Jesus the transformative love of Jesus the uncommon love of Jesus wrecks somebody's uncommon love of Jesus wrecks somebody's uncommon love of Jesus wrecks somebody's heart then it has the power to transform heart then it has the power to transform heart then it has the power to transform all those around us. A betrayed wife who all those around us. A betrayed wife who all those around us. A betrayed wife who had every reason just to cut her losses had every reason just to cut her losses had every reason just to cut her losses and go start new decides that she's and go start new decides that she's and go start new decides that she's going to love her husband the way that going to love her husband the way that going to love her husband the way that Jesus has loved her. Man, that's a whole Jesus has loved her. Man, that's a whole Jesus has loved her. Man, that's a whole different definition for what love is. different definition for what love is. different definition for what love is. Whole different definition.

Whole different definition. Whole different definition. In a world of of common love, Jesus In a world of of common love, Jesus In a world of of common love, Jesus invites you to receive and give an invites you to receive and give an invites you to receive and give an uncommon love that is sacrificial, uncommon love that is sacrificial, uncommon love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. And unconditional, and transformative. And unconditional, and transformative. And when you do, well, then there is no when you do, well, then there is no when you do, well, then there is no telling what God might do in you and telling what God might do in you and telling what God might do in you and those in your life. those in your life. those in your life. This is what makes us an uncommon This is what makes us an uncommon This is what makes us an uncommon community. community. community. So listen, here's what I know is that in So listen, here's what I know is that in So listen, here's what I know is that in this room, there are followers of Jesus this room, there are followers of Jesus this room, there are followers of Jesus that you know that you have been loved that you know that you have been loved that you know that you have been loved by God. Maybe you've heard that so many by God. Maybe you've heard that so many by God. Maybe you've heard that so many times and yet maybe you feel like you times and yet maybe you feel like you times and yet maybe you feel like you still kind of doubt it. Like you feel still kind of doubt it. Like you feel still kind of doubt it. Like you feel like you have to measure up. And so like you have to measure up. And so like you have to measure up. And so today is a reminder that what Jesus has today is a reminder that what Jesus has today is a reminder that what Jesus has done on the cross for you has met all done on the cross for you has met all done on the cross for you has met all the conditions that you were never going the conditions that you were never going the conditions that you were never going to me. to me. to me. And so for you to rest in that, to know And so for you to rest in that, to know And so for you to rest in that, to know that it is true that God, his love that it is true that God, his love that it is true that God, his love doesn't run out on you. doesn't run out on you. doesn't run out on you. Maybe you're struggling with now the Maybe you're struggling with now the Maybe you're struggling with now the call to love other people. You realize call to love other people. You realize call to love other people. You realize that this is a high high calling to love that this is a high high calling to love that this is a high high calling to love not just the people who are easy to not just the people who are easy to not just the people who are easy to love, but even enemies in our life. And love, but even enemies in our life. And love, but even enemies in our life. And so maybe today is a reminder of God's so maybe today is a reminder of God's so maybe today is a reminder of God's love for you and how that empowers you, love for you and how that empowers you, love for you and how that empowers you, gives you this renewed motivation to gives you this renewed motivation to gives you this renewed motivation to love even those who are hard to love.

love even those who are hard to love. love even those who are hard to love. But I know there are some here in this But I know there are some here in this But I know there are some here in this room, maybe you came in here wondering room, maybe you came in here wondering room, maybe you came in here wondering if this kind of love actually exists if this kind of love actually exists if this kind of love actually exists and if it's for you. and if it's for you. and if it's for you. There's a yearning in your heart that There's a yearning in your heart that There's a yearning in your heart that says there's got to be something more. says there's got to be something more. says there's got to be something more. There's got to be more than just the There's got to be more than just the There's got to be more than just the common love that I see all around me. common love that I see all around me. common love that I see all around me. And I I want to know what that is. I And I I want to know what that is. I And I I want to know what that is. I want you to know that it is found in want you to know that it is found in want you to know that it is found in Jesus. That he loves you more than you Jesus. That he loves you more than you Jesus. That he loves you more than you can imagine. And now he is inviting you can imagine. And now he is inviting you can imagine. And now he is inviting you into that kind of love that is into that kind of love that is into that kind of love that is sacrificial, unconditional, and sacrificial, unconditional, and sacrificial, unconditional, and transformative. transformative. transformative. So here's how I want us to end today. I So here's how I want us to end today. I So here's how I want us to end today. I invite you to bow with me. invite you to bow with me. invite you to bow with me. And if you are at that point today where And if you are at that point today where And if you are at that point today where you want to receive God's love for the you want to receive God's love for the you want to receive God's love for the first time, you want to put your faith first time, you want to put your faith first time, you want to put your faith in him and turn your life over to him, in him and turn your life over to him, in him and turn your life over to him, then I want to invite you to pray a then I want to invite you to pray a then I want to invite you to pray a prayer. prayer. prayer. Prayer is your in your own words, Prayer is your in your own words, Prayer is your in your own words, however you want to say it to God, but however you want to say it to God, but however you want to say it to God, but something to the effect where you can something to the effect where you can something to the effect where you can say, "God, I realize that I I need your say, "God, I realize that I I need your say, "God, I realize that I I need your love more than I can imagine.

love more than I can imagine. love more than I can imagine. that I have never been able to measure that I have never been able to measure that I have never been able to measure up to a standard of perfection or up to a standard of perfection or up to a standard of perfection or holiness. And yet I trust in Jesus that holiness. And yet I trust in Jesus that holiness. And yet I trust in Jesus that he has done that for me, that he has he has done that for me, that he has he has done that for me, that he has done what I could never do and I could done what I could never do and I could done what I could never do and I could never pay back. And so I surrender my never pay back. And so I surrender my never pay back. And so I surrender my life to you life to you life to you to follow you to love you as you have to follow you to love you as you have to follow you to love you as you have loved me so that I might love others in loved me so that I might love others in loved me so that I might love others in that same way. that same way. that same way. If you prayed that prayer, then you have If you prayed that prayer, then you have If you prayed that prayer, then you have met the most high God and his love for met the most high God and his love for met the most high God and his love for you has been poured out on Jesus on the you has been poured out on Jesus on the you has been poured out on Jesus on the cross so that you can know his uncommon cross so that you can know his uncommon cross so that you can know his uncommon love and be transformed by it. love and be transformed by it. love and be transformed by it. Father, we pray that you would help us Father, we pray that you would help us Father, we pray that you would help us to be an uncommon community who loves to be an uncommon community who loves to be an uncommon community who loves with an uncommon love the way that you with an uncommon love the way that you with an uncommon love the way that you have loved us in Christ. have loved us in Christ. have loved us in Christ. God, we confess that this is hard for us God, we confess that this is hard for us God, we confess that this is hard for us to do. to do. to do. That there are some who are hard to love That there are some who are hard to love That there are some who are hard to love and we know that we can be hard to love and we know that we can be hard to love and we know that we can be hard to love as well. And so as we look around at the as well. And so as we look around at the as well. And so as we look around at the relationships in our own life, in this relationships in our own life, in this relationships in our own life, in this church, in our own family, we ask that church, in our own family, we ask that church, in our own family, we ask that you would you would you would remind us or tell us even for the first remind us or tell us even for the first remind us or tell us even for the first time how much you love us so that we time how much you love us so that we time how much you love us so that we might be empowered to love others in the might be empowered to love others in the might be empowered to love others in the same way. And so through that, you would same way. And so through that, you would same way. And so through that, you would transform us and everyone around us with transform us and everyone around us with transform us and everyone around us with this kind of love.

this kind of love. this kind of love. Oh God, we need you to do that because Oh God, we need you to do that because Oh God, we need you to do that because we can't do it for ourselves. And so we we can't do it for ourselves. And so we we can't do it for ourselves. And so we depend on you. We trust all this in the depend on you. We trust all this in the depend on you. We trust all this in the name of Jesus. Amen.