The Root Of Real Relationships

Mark 12:29-31

LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD

We must really know Him to love Him.
When we really know Him, we can Love Him.
When we really love Him, we can Trust Him.
First, we learn to trust His will and way and then we trust His plans for us.
The Jesus Way – we are to be His disciples.

• Matthew 5 – External law to Internal law
• Matthew 6 – Motives
• Matthew 6:25-34 – Trust

When we really trust Him, we can obey Him.

Matthew 28:19,20 – “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOUR AS YOURSELF

It is still about two trees!

Proverbs 3:5-8 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding.

Everyone wants what they think they need, and what they want when they want it.

Dean Sherman – “Every problem in the world is a Relationship problem; Pride is the root of every relationship problem in the world and Humility is the answer for every relationship problem.”

LOVE OUR NEIGHBOUR

• Exodus 20:1-17
• Leviticus 19:18
• Luke 10:25-37 – Parable of the Good Samaritan

Romans 12:19 Beloved do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. [Leviticus 19:18; Deuteronomy 32:35]

Accusations come from our own hearts trying to solve our own problems, rather than trusting God for the answers.

Philippians 2:4 – Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.

We are responsible for our part of every relationship – we cannot make the decision for others.

LOVE YOUR ENEMY

Matthew 5:43-48  “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.”
V46 – for if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world… all people have value.

Did Jesus have enemies?

Luke 23:34 – “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.”

Our Posture?

Romans 12:14-21

• Bless and do not curse
• Rejoice and weep with
• Same mind (Christ) – not be wise in your own opinion
• Repay no one evil for evil
• If it is possible as much as it depends on you, live peaceably with all men
• Do not avenge yourself
• Do good to enemy
• Do not be overcome by evil but overcome evil with good

We are not victims, though sometimes victimized.

Genesis 50:19,20 – Joseph said to them, “do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant it for evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.”

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

The Golden Rule:

Matthew 7:12 – Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.