Luke 15 Intro: Think about somebody you really don’t like to be around. What is it about them?

I. The Differences that Put Us Off

A. Our eccentricities

B. Diversity made by their Creator

C. Diversity made by sin or the curse

D. Within the family – The Lost Son

II. Isn’t It Easier to Write Them Off?

A. The older brother has no use for the younger

B. The Father emphasizes the value of family

1. The differences in your family (Malachi)

2. Diversity in the body of Christ

3. Our behavior toward each other and grace (James)

C. When all hope is exhausted

III. Acceptance Versus Approval

A. People are who they are for the moment

B. Love the person hate the sin

C. Clarity about your love

D. Acknowledging your differences

E. Focusing on what is good

F. Love just is

G. Love looks forward

Do you have a family member with whom you are conflicted? What could you do to move toward reconciliation?

Are you especially intolerant of certain kinds of behavior? How does this need to change to be more like God?