Sermon Series: To Save That Which Is Lost (Part 1 of 5)

Matthew 18:11-17

“It is mainly the deeds of a love so noble that lead many to put a brand upon us. See how they love one another, they say, for they themselves are animated by mutual hatred; how they are ready even to die for one another, they say, for they themselves will sooner put to death” (Tertullian, 'The Apology').

Imagine a church full of gift of tongues, prophecy, revelation, and knowledge; full of faith, where mighty works of power are manifest; which gives all its possessions to feed the poor; in which some have even been killed as martyrs. Yet, Jesus would write a big ZERO over all of it if it didn't have love.

This Divine love keeps no record of wrongs and does not rejoice over others’ sin (I Corinthians 13:1-6). God cursed Ham because he rejoiced over his father's failure, but blessed Shem and Japheth because they covered it up.

Love covers a multitude of sins, and is hospitable without complaint, serving according to the measure of the gift that God has given (I Peter 4:8-10).