Sermon - Jeff Raines - Untouched: The Power of Love [Matthew 29:19-20]

We all desperately need connection with those around us yet we are on a trend to more and more social isolation.  Across the board, Americans report having fewer and fewer friends.  The impact of loneliness on mortality has been found to be as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day!  

Our 2033 Movement path focus for today is the NEIGHBOR path.  

A strategy for obeying the Great Commission is that we would start with the people around us! Jesus’ story of the Good Samaritan is an illustration of how a lot of times, our neighbors are very different from us.  We can resist loving our neighbor because of fear.  It takes faith, willingness, courage, and boldness.   But Jesus has called us to this work- to let all people know they are loved by God.  

In our world of loneliness, how do we share the love of Jesus around us?  Here’s a good guide:

B- Begin with prayer*

L - Listen to them

E - Eat with them

S - Serve them

S - Share your faith

*the “Bless” app can be a good tool to help you get started! 

Another way to love our neighbor is by neighborhood chaplaincy- knowing our neighbors and providing support and encouragement.  

In a world of isolation, be a person who connects.  Even small acts of love push back against loneliness and despair.  

The Great Commission doesn’t require us to cross the ocean, it could require us just to cross the street.