Summary: In Pastor Mikel’s sermon, titled “The Unconditional Love of God: A Fruit Worth Savoring,” the congregation is reminded of the ongoing series on the Fruit of the Spirit and the qualities that emerge as they draw closer to God. Love takes center stage, emphasized as God’s ultimate and unconditional love for humanity. A personal story of dedication in the name of love sets the stage for the profoundness of God’s love, which is described as patient, kind, and unwavering. The sermon acknowledges the challenges people may face in accepting and experiencing God’s love but emphasizes the transformative power of this love in casting out fear. The congregation is encouraged to carry the fruit of love with them in their lives, reflecting God’s love to the world, and the sermon ends with a heartfelt prayer of gratitude for God’s boundless love and a desire for it to guide their faith journey.
Reflection Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that love makes you do “crazy” things, as Pastor Mikel shared. What “crazy” things have you done for love? How does God’s extraordinary love for us compare to the lengths we go to for love in our own lives?
2. How does the knowledge of God’s unconditional and relentless love impact your own self-worth and self-esteem?
3. Consider the concept that perfect love casts out fear (1 John 4:18). Are there areas in your life where fear may still be present, hindering your experience of God’s love? How can you grow on your understanding of His love?
4. What does the quote mean when it suggests that faith used as a “mantra to drive away punishment” is not genuine faith? Are there ways to encourage and nurture a faith that is motivated by love and hope rather than fear? If so, what are they?
“If our faith is primarily a mantra to drive away punishment, our “faith” isn’t really a faith, rather it is a fear with a response of the instinct for self-preservation. We feign faith in order to keep from being punished. We believe in an uncertain way only from fear of hell, and so our “faith” is without love and self-serving, a mere survival instinct. -Bishop Vladika Lazar Puhalo”
5. Reflect on rephrased version of 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, where God’s characteristics are described through the lens of love. How does this perspective deepen your understanding of God’s nature?
“God is patient; God is kind. God isn’t envious, doesn’t boast, brag, or strut about. There’s no arrogance in God; He’s never rude, crude, or indecent—He’s not self-absorbed. God isn’t easily upset. God doesn’t tally wrongs or celebrate injustice; but truth—yes, truth—is God’s delight! God puts up with anything and everything that comes along; He trusts, hopes, and endures no matter what.”
6. What truth of God’s love is he highlighting for you to ponder? How does this truth impact your relationship with him?