While clearing/cleaning my desk this morning, I came across a scrap sheet of paper that I had been writing notes on all last week for yesterday morning’s message. I knew I had written some things down!

Since I neglected to include them yesterday, here they are for today. First, here are some important principles:

1. Never compare yourself with others; always compare yourself with God.
2. Do not act according to what is deserved; act according to what is right and needed.
3. My attitude and response must be controlled by love, not hate.

Second, I did a quick survey of what the NT has to say about “what Christian love should look like,” and came up with the following:

• Devotion, Rom 12:10
• Preference for others, 12:10
• Meeting pressing needs, 12:13
• Mutual rejoicing/sorrow, 12:15
• No pride, 12:16
• No vengeful spirit, 12:17, 19
• Peace, 12:18
• Edify, 14:19; 15:2
• Please, 15:2-3
• Acceptance, 15:7
• 1 Cor 13:4-7
• Bear burdens, Gal 6:2
• Do good to all, 6:10
• Be tolerant of each other, Eph 4:2
• Edifying speech, 4:29
• No bitterness or grudges, 4:31
• Forgiveness, 4:32
• No selfishness, Phil 2:3
• Humility, 2:3
• Self-sacrificing love, 2:4-8
• Live in harmony, 4:2
• Don’t lie, Col 3:9
• Compassionate, 3:12
• Kind, 3:12
• Gentle, 3:12
• Patient, 3:12
• Encourage, Heb 3:13
• Care for needy, Jas 1:27
• No distinctions or prejudices, 2:1-13
• No cursing but blessing, 3:9-10

That’s quite a list! As you read it, keep the first principle mentioned above in mind!