Love and Do What You Want
“Love, and do what you want.” Those are the words of Saint Augustine.
When [Jesus] saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. —Matthew 9:36
1. Deep compassion will move us to ACTION.
The word used for “compassion” is the Greek word splagchnizomai, that literally means to to be moved in one’s bowels!
Let’s use the English word GUTS instead.
Why did Matthew use such an emotive word like “guts” to describe how Jesus felt?
Jesus models for us how to use our two brains.
Your gut can’t think, but it can feel.
When your brain is overloaded it pushes your thoughts into your stomach.
Happiness comes from your gut. 95 percent of the body’s serotonin is found there.
God made you and he will work through your impulses of love.
In the book “Thinking Fast and Slow,” psychologist Daniel Kahneman asserts your “slow brain” thinks thoughts through and your “fast brain” feels to a quick conclusion.
Let the Holy Spirit use your fast as well as your slow brain.
“Jesus had compassion on [the two blind men] and touched their eyes. Immediately they received their sight and followed him.” —Matthew 20:34
When human behavior is irrational, it always has a reason. What is essential about a person is invisible to the eye.
I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. —Mark 8:2
Great ministries come from feeling and meeting felt needs.
2. Deep compassion will unleash the SUPERNATURAL.
Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness. —Matthew 10:1
You were called to ministry because Jesus has compassion on the crowds.
7 As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. —Matthew 10:7-8
3. How can you love and do what you want, SAFELY?
Compassion flows from your love for Jesus and those who represent Jesus.
- In a world that asks, “Where is God when it hurts?” Be where it hurts with God.
- Notice sick people and pray for them on the spot.
- Raise dead hopes by asking the second question.
- Restore socially distanced people by granting permission where permission is withheld.
- When change won’t happen, check if you are discipling a demon and deal with it.
Where will you find love for people? Be with people and Jesus will fill the space between you with love.
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