Sermon About Emotions and their influences in the local church
Emotions play a huge role in how we interact with others. We have strong feelings about many things, and that guides the way we treat others.
People treat others based on their emotions about the others' situations. Plus, people can gain a better sense of belonging by bonding with other people over common emotions.
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The Emotions of the Apostle toward the Church
For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; or if we are of sound mind, it is for you.
O Corinthians! We have spoken openly to you, our heart is wide open. You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. Now in return for the same (I speak as to children), you also be open.
Open your hearts to us. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have cheated no one. I do not say this to condemn; for I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together. Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
And I will very gladly spend and be spent for your souls; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved.
2 Corinthians 2:4, 5:12, 6:11-13, 7:2-4, 12:15
People treat others based on their emotions about the others' situations. For example, someone who is sad about you will be much nicer to that person than someone who is angry. People must learn to control their emotions to improve the quality of life for others.
We should encourage people to bond over their emotions and gain a sense of belonging by bonding with others over common emotions.
Direct Expressions of Love and Openness
2. 4 “ not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.”
2 Corinthians 6:11-13- “ We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.”
2 Corinthians 7:3-4- “ ... I said before that you are in our hearts to die together and to live together”
2 Corinthians 8:7- “ as you excel in everything- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you.”
The Church is very important particularly helpful in situations where people do not know each other well. For example, people feel lonely when they do not know anyone well enough to form emotional bonds with them, so the church is the place of union and worship toghether.
We need emotional investment in the Gospel
“ I believed, and so I spoke.” (2 Corinthians 4:13)
Emotional investment in People
“ You are in our hearts, to die together and to live together”(2 Corinthians 7:3)
2Corinthians 9:1-2 Now concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you; (2) for I know your willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.
Plus, in the church, they can form genuine emotional bonds with one another in Jesus. This makes for strong relationships that are conducive to both parties' needs for belonging and companionship.
Read more
- Identifying the lord's Church
- Seek God: ewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6)
- Debts: Sell the olive oil and pay your debts
Convertion
And Peter’s message sank deep into the heart (Acts 2:37).
Now listen to the emotional plea, “Brethren, what shall we do?”
Peter’s reply is recorded in Acts 2:38, “Repent and let each one of you. be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
