LOVE MAKES THE FIRST MOVE
Kendra Intihar
Today's Scripture: ”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23, ESV
Theme: Are we willing to set aside our own rights, power, preferences, and comforts so others can experience Jesus?
RELATIONAL BRIDGES
In Acts 17, Paul began debating with some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in Athens. Ancient Athenians were endlessly curious, always eager to hear the latest ideas. After hearing Paul preach the Gospel, they invited him to explain his “babble” about “foreign gods” to the council at the Aeropagus.
“People of Athens!” Paul began. “I see that you are extremely religious in every respect” (verse 22). Rather than mocking their altar to an “unknown god,” as many people today might be inclined to do, Paul used it as a relational bridge to the Gospel. “What therefore you worship as unknown,”(verse 23) he declared, “this I proclaim to you. The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth…”(verse 24). Paul even quoted the Athenians’ own poets, applying familiar words about the Greek god, Zeus, to the true God, saying “In him, we live and move and have our being” (a quote from Epimenides) and “For we are indeed his offspring” (a quote from Aratus).
Paul did not share the Athenians' worldview, but he entered it to illuminate the truth they were already reaching for. He lovingly redirected their curiosity toward Christ by building on what they already knew.
ALL THINGS TO ALL PEOPLE
Too often, we begin conversations with people who don't yet believe by telling them all their thoughts and convictions are wrong. What if, instead, we followed Paul's example and began with common ground? We cannot change the Gospel, but we can change our approach to bringing the Good News to others.
Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9: To the Jews, I became like a Jew...
To those under the law, like one under the law...
To those without the law, like one without the law...
To the weak, I became weak...
Paul did not confuse his own culture with God's kingdom. Instead, he entered each person's perspective so he could point them to the Kingdom of God. He wasn't embracing contradictory beliefs; he was willingly laying down his rights, power, preferences, and comforts so others could experience Jesus.
THE BURDEN OF MOVEMENT BELONGS TO THE ONE WHO LOVES
Love makes the first move.
God came looking for Adam and Eve after they hid.
God called Abraham out of paganism.
God went to Israel while the Israelites were enslaved.
Jesus ate with sinners before they repented.
Jesus became "unclean" to reach those on the margins.
Paul walked into pagan cities instead of waiting for people to come to the synagogue. Because God so loved the world (John 3:16), Jesus moved toward us.
Throughout Scripture, God uses familiar images to reveal Himself:
To Shepherds, He uses shepherd imagery.
To farmers, He uses farming imagery.
To fishermen, He uses fishing imagery.
To Greeks, Paul quoted philosophers.
To the Samaritan Woman at the well, Jesus became “Living Water.”
The burden of movement belongs to the one who loves. God meets us where we are, and He calls us to meet others where they are. People's deepest longings—justice, belonging, identity, purpose, peace, beauty, etc.—can become bridges to Jesus. Because love makes the first move, we cross barriers instead of expecting people to become like us before they can hear the Good News.
Make it Personal: When we talk with others about our faith, are our hearts in a posture of “How can I prove I’m right?” or are they in a posture of “How can I move towards and love this person well enough that they can actually hear the Gospel?” We are called to lay down our rights and preferences, find common ground, and faithfully reflect the love of Jesus.
Pray: Lord, fill my heart with Your love so that I would gladly move toward others as You have moved toward me. Help me lay down my preferences and build relational bridges that lead people to Jesus. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Read: Philippians 2:3-8; Romans 15:1-3; 1 Corinthians 10:31-33
Weekly Memory Verse: ”I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings.” 1 Corinthians 9:22b-23, ESV