Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
April 18, 2023: SOAP #4884: 1Samuel 20-21; Psalm 34; Matthew 5

SCRIPTURE:  Matthew (NIV) 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

OBSERVATION:  The love God wants for His people is not a reaction love, but an acting love. It is not love in return for a favor; it is love that is given when it was not expected.  And it is given without a promise of returned love.

APPLICATION: Simply put, it is the love that God has extended to me! 

One might say, “It is impossible to love like that.  It is not natural.”  And they would be right.  It is impossible for fallen, sinful man to live up to God’s holy standards.  If man was to love like that, God would need to live in him and love through him!  And that is the beauty of the Christian life!   God lives His life through me!!! 

PRAYER:   Lord, because of your death on the cross in payment for sin, forgive me and cleanse me from all sin.  Come and live in me.  Come live and love through me.  Teach me your ways. May my life bring you joy today.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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