Respond with Love by Pastor E.A Adeboye
OPEN HEAVENS FOR TEENS
DATE: SUNDAY 21ST OF JANUARY, 2024
THEME: RESPOND WITH LOVE
MEMORISE: A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. Proverbs 15:1
READ: 1 Corinthians 13:2
[2]And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
MESSAGE
As Christians, we are called to a lifestyle of love, forgiveness, and peace, even when we have to deal with people who do not like us. I remember during one of the Holy Ghost Services at Redemption City, I told everyone to tell their neighbours: “Because I want to make Heaven, I will love you compulsorily.” A fellow, who was quarrelling with his friend, refused to say it, but when I told them to repeat it, the other fellow dragged him by the hand and said the words to him. Eventually, they resolved their quarrel.
As long as you are alive, you will come across people who will hurt you with their words and actions. Don’t give them ‘fire for fire’; rather, smile and say, “God have mercy on you.” From experience, I have seen that when you respond with love in your heart, some people may think you are foolish. However, if you remain consistent in this character, they will come to respect you and will learn from you. Don’t abuse or insult anyone; if a matter is becoming unbearable, speak to a trusted counsellor to share your burden and pray with you.
PRAYER POINT:
Father, give me the grace to respond in love always, in Jesus’ name.
BIBLE QUIZ
In the Gospel of Matthew, what was the name of the angel who appeared to Joseph in a dream to tell him about the birth of Jesus?
HYMN 19 – THERE’S NOT A FRIEND LIKE THE LOWLY JESUS
1. There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!
None else could heal all our soul’s diseases–
No, not one! no, not one!
CHORUS:
Jesus knows all about our struggles,
He will guide till the day is done;
There’s not a friend like the lowly Jesus–
No, not one! no, not one!
2 No friend like Him is so high and holy–
No, not one! no, not one!
And yet no friend is so meek and lowly–
No, not one! no, not one!
3 There’s not an hour that He is not near us –
No, not one! no, not one!
No night so dark but His love can cheer us–
No, not one! no, not one!
4. Did ever saint find this friend forsake him?
No not one! no not one!
Or sinner find that he would not take him?
No not one! no not one!
5. Was e’er a gift like the Savior given?
No, not one! no, not one!
Will He refuse us a home in heaven?
No, not one! no, not one!
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Genesis 42:18-43:34; Matthew 13:47-14:12
