By Evangelist Sophia Jeffrie
God’s love is greater than anything on earth because God is love. Nothing can overpower it or overtake it or even withstand the love of God! The reason why this is important is that the power of God’s love can overcome and conquer any obstacle that is in the way. An Obstacle is defined as “A thing that blocks one’s way or prevents or hinders progress. It obstructs, hinders or imped or interferes with, or prevents actions or progress. Obstacles can hinder our Christian walk, journey, and growth in Christ if we allow them to. The blessing of this fact is that all Christians have God’s love in us whether it’s seen or not! We just must choose to allow it to dominate us.
Romans 5:5 “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
Our natural human nature is self-centeredness, self-absorb, self-conscience of our own needs first. But this is not what God spoke through the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5:13-14 13 For you, brethren, were [indeed] called to freedom; only [do not let your] freedom be an incentive to your flesh and an opportunity or excuse [for selfishness], but through love you should serve one another. 14 For the whole Law [concerning human relationships] is complied with in the one precept, You shall love your neighbor as [you do] yourself.
Jesus is selfless and if we are imitators of Christ, then we are to do as He did! His Love in us should cause us to put other people first and not just be concerned about me, my four, and no more! Love conquers our selfishness!
Colossians 3:4-5 When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 5Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry.
What are some ways selfishness is revealed in our lives? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Are you an unselfish driver or is it all about YOU? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Love Conquers Obstacles to Our Faith
God honors FAITH! And when we are not acting in love it will affect our faith and how we can receive from God. So, If your faith is not working, then you need to do a heart check. Galatians 5:6 says,” 6 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith working through love.
The absence of the Love of God in our hearts causes our faith to be nullified and becomes an obstacle in our lives and hinders our prayers. Faith is what pleases God, not works, not titles or things!
Hebrews 11:6 says, 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. So, if we can’t please God without faith and if our faith worketh by love, then you will remain in the same sad situation when you are not walking in love!
What are some ways to ensure that we are pleasing God with our Faith? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
What are some other hinderances to our Faith that Love can conquer? ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I John 3:23 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.
Love Conquers the Obstacles of Stereotypes and Religion
Sometimes we as Christians can be spiritual obstacles to other believers and to unbelievers as well. We can be so spiritual at times that we miss the real reason of why Jesus came!
Who Are today’s Pharisees and Sadducees?
We need to ask ourselves: Is It I Lord?
I say this because when we stereotype people or use religion as a weapon it can harm or hinder people and not help them.
The true meaning of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is Love and unity Not division through religion!
If Jesus went out to reach the lost despite their sin, social class, or economic status, then why can’t we do the same? Paul tells us how Jesus instructed him.
I Corinthians 9:19-23
19 For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win the more; 20 and to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might win Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might win those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without law, as without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), that I might win those who are without law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 23 Now this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I may be partaker of it with you.
This is truly an example of what Christ’s Love looks like and what Christ would do.
Does your talk match your walk???
Does my/your Testimony/Sermon/ Actions/Lifestyle move people closer to Christ or away from Him? ____________________________________________________
WWJD…. What Would Jesus Do??? He Would Love Above All Else!
Love Conquers Obstacles that Divide…
Jesus says… Promote Unity and Avoid Division….
Love Conquers Obstacles of Sin
Sin causes us to be separated from God spiritually and hinders our walk with God.
God sent His Son Jesus to conquer our sin because He loved us that much!
Common Sins that Believers Overlook:
Offenses
Unforgiveness
Strife
Gossiping
Hate
Lying
So, it doesn’t matter what type of sin we are in, were in or will be in in the future, God’s love will always be able to conquer it! God loves ALL sinners, but He hates ALL sin!
I Peter 4:8 8“Above all things have fervent Love for one another for Love will cover a multitude of sins!”
How can we show love to others when they need it the most even while we are hurting ourselves?
Have you ever had to walk down this road before?
Matthew 5:4444 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you,
Proverbs 10:12 12 Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
Romans 5:8 8 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
Love Conquers: Obstacles of Our Own Foolishness
God through His Love shows us grace and mercy despite our own foolishness. I thank God for it too! But with His grace and mercy, there are consequences that come with our decisions.
Hebrew 12:5-6 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,
6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son.”
From your past mistakes and lessons in life, what is the greatest take away?
How did you view God after it?
Challenge Question… Heart Check!
What Obstacle is there in my life that I need to allow Love to Conquer?
About the Author
Evangelist Sophia Jeffrie is an ordained Reverend and called Evangelist into the Gospel Ministry where she serves the Lord with her whole heart! Evangelist Jeffrie is a retired Chief Petty Officer from the United States Navy, where she led, guided, trained, and ministered to thousands of Sailors throughout her career. God placed in her an assignment where He has positioned and trusted her with guiding His most troubled and vulnerable youth. It was there the Lord revealed His true purpose for her life and birthed in her the vision and purpose for what is now “Wisdom Truths”, a life changing personal growth and development workshop designed to enhance the overall social and spiritual growth of At-Risk Youth. Evangelist Jeffrie has allowed God to use her as He heals and transform lives by ministering the Gospel of Jesus Christ on a larger scale! Her message of love and purpose is relatable to those from all walks of life and will certainly serve as a blessing to you as well. Evangelist Jeffrie received a Master of Art Degree in Ministry from Luther Rice College & Seminary in 2018. She has two sons, a stepson and two stepdaughters, and has nine grandchildren.
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