40 Days of Love

My Dad and Sharon are doing a bible study at their home, entitled "40 Days of Love", with some people from their church.  They invited us to come! 

I thought I would type out the notes I took, not only for everyone else to read, but for myself as well.  The more I go over things, the more I get it!

"Love is Patient, Love is Kind"

Love is patient, love is kind...
1 Corinthians 13:4



PATIENCE has everything to do with ATTITUDE.   (yikes)
The secret to patience:


1. Discover a bigger perspective.
A man's wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.
Proverbs 19:11


2. Deepen your love.


3. Depend on Jesus' power.
...being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,...
Colossians 1:11




KINDNESS has everything to do with ACTIONS.


Kindness is love in action.
The Good Samaritan
Luke 10:30-35


4 things we can learn from the Good Samaritan.


1. Start seeing the needs of people around us.
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, cam where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
Luke 10:33


We don't see people's wounds because of BUSYNESS. 


Learn to SEE.


We must slow down to see the needs of others.


Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.
1 Corinthians 10:24


The Message by Eugene Peterson says:

But the point is not to just get by.  We want to live well, but our foremost efforts should be to help others live well. 
1 Corinthians 10:24

2. Sympathize with people's pain.
But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.
Luke 10:33


Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Romans 12:15


Sympathy begins with the ears.


Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2


Learn to LISTEN.


3. Seize the moment.


Do NOT procrastinate!
He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring oil and wine.
Luke10:34


He took ACTION!


The Good Samaritan did 3 Things:
1. He got down to his level.  (some versions says that he "stooped")
2. He used his best.  (oil and wine)
3. He dressed him with bandages  (he tore up his own clothes)


He used what he had.  We ALL have something to give or use.


Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back later; I'll give it tomorrow"--when you now have it with you.
Proverbs 3:27-28

You must be willing to be interrupted.
You must be willing to take risks.


There is no fear in love.  But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment.  The one who fears is not made perfect in love.
1 John 4:18


There is no fear in love.  Fear and love can't live at the same time.


It is FEAR that makes us unkind.


4. Spend whatever it takes.


There is always a cost to kindness.  Time, money, reputation, etc.


He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.  Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him.  The next day he took out two silver coins and gave then to the inn-keeper.  'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'
Luke 10:34-35


Kindness is doing something for somebody without expecting anything in return.

Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter--when you see the naked to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear; then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame.
Isaiah 58:7, 8, 11


Why be kind?
God blesses kindness.


God is patient and kind with us.


The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.
Psalm 103:8


As Christians we are to be more like Christ, so if Christ is patient and kind to us, then we should be patient and kind with others.