Apologetics panel

Only Jesus can satisfy

Mother's day at The Bridge

Who is Jesus?

If we want to meet the real needs of real people, then like Jesus, we must touch the untouchable, 

forgive the unforgivable, and befriend the despicable. Jesus reached out and touched a leper, 

ignoring religious customs to restore both his health and dignity. He forgave a paralyzed man’s 

sins before healing his body, showing that true restoration goes beyond the physical. And He 

called Levi, a despised tax collector, to follow Him, even dining with sinners despite criticism 

from religious leaders. Jesus met people where they were, offering compassion over 

condemnation, and He calls us to do the same—extending His love to those the world rejects.

He Touched Me

Jesus demonstrated true love by serving others, including His enemies. In John 13, He humbled 

Himself to wash His disciples’ feet, modeling the kind of selfless service that should define His 

followers. True love is not about status or position but about humbling ourselves to meet the 

needs of others. To truly follow Jesus, we must serve one another, as love is best demonstrated 

through acts of service, even in the smallest tasks. We must also serve our enemies, just as Jesus 

washed Judas’ feet, showing us that love extends even to those who hurt us. Ultimately, Jesus 

taught that the world would know we are His disciples by our love for one another (John 13:35). 

Genuine love is not found in power or prestige but in humble service. If we want to follow 

Christ, we must replace the image of success with the image of service, loving sacrificially and 

without conditions.

Demonstrate Love

If you want to experience true joy in your relationships, it starts by receiving God’s 

unconditional love for yourself. Philippians 2:1-4 teaches that joyful fellowship is rooted in 

God’s love, which allows us to feel the same, think the same, and act in unity with others. Rather 

than seeking self-interest, we must adopt Christ’s example of humility—valuing others above 

ourselves. This means adjusting to others, showing unconditional acceptance, sacrificing for their 

good, and seeking to understand their struggles rather than just defending our own position. 

Joyful relationships are built when we prioritize love over pride, grace over selfish ambition, and 

humility over personal gain. When we love this way, our relationships become a reflection of 

God’s love, creating true unity and deep joy.

The Joy of Love

If you want to love effectively, demonstrate grace in all your relationships—love freely and without conditions. Galatians 4:12-20 reveals Paul’s deep love for the believers in Galatia, showing that true love adjusts, accepts, sacrifices, speaks truth, sets others free, suffers with them, and spends time with them. Love is not about control or conditions but about grace that gives without demanding in return. It means accepting people as they are, being willing to sacrifice for them, and walking with them in their struggles. Love is not just a feeling—it’s an action that transforms lives. When we love like Christ, we create relationships that grow deeper and stronger over time. Love that is rooted in grace sets people free to become all God intends them to be.

If we want to make a real difference in people’s lives, we must emphasize love, not law. 1 

Timothy 1:1-11 warns against legalism and meaningless debates that distract from God’s true work. The goal of God’s command is love—flowing from a pure heart, a good conscience, and sincere faith. Rules and regulations cannot transform lives, but love can. The law reveals sin, but only Christ’s grace redeems and renews. As a church, our focus must be on compassion, mercy, and the life-changing power of the gospel. Love is what draws people to Jesus, brings healing to broken lives, and reflects the heart of God. When we prioritize love over rigid legalism, we create a community where people experience grace, grow in faith, and encounter the transforming power of Christ.

True love sees the need, feels the need, and meets the need. In Mark 8:1-10, Jesus demonstrates compassion by recognizing the hunger of the crowd, feeling their suffering, and miraculously providing food for them. Love is not passive; it moves beyond sympathy to action. As followers of Christ, we are called to open our eyes to the needs around us, let our hearts be moved with compassion, and respond by serving others. When we trust Jesus with what we have, He multiplies our efforts to bless many. True love is sacrificial, selfless, and transformative—it reflects the heart of Christ. When we step out in faith to meet the needs of others, God faithfully provides for our own.