--PRE-SERVICE PRAYER--

Focus: Love Like Him

Foundation Scripture: John 15:9-13 TPT

Prayer Points:
1. Receive God’s nourishing love
2. Receive the overwhelming joy of God’s love.
3. Freely sacrifice to God and to others as God directs.
4. Powerful Sunday Service

--MESSAGE--
F.O.L.K.S.

Introduction:
Whether it’s friends, family (“F”), neighbors, co-workers, social groups, frats/sororities (“Ordinary ones”), fiancée & dating (“L”oved Ones), kids (“K”), & spouse (“S”), God has “programmed” us to live in community with one another. We must interact with others and engage in the relationships we have all around us.

Foundation Scripture

The book of Colossians houses the foundations of Linked UP Church’s vision. How we relate to God, ourselves, each other, and our community is, what we believe, to be the essence of God’s Will for our lives

LOVE is the foundation of any healthy relationship, whether personal, spatial, casual, or professional.

Love is defined as “one desiring and protecting the best interest of another regardless of their actions, response, and/or attitude.”

The evidence of love can be found in the Fruit of the Spirit…

We cannot expect to be loved when we’re not willing or inclined to give the same, even when they don’t deserve it, because WE ALWAYS want love even when we don’t deserve it.

God gave us the #1 creative force that separates us from animals (aside from a Spirit) which is the ability to communicate and fully express thoughts, ideas, emotions, knowledge, etc.

Most people can talk or communicate. But communicating effectively is often missed, overlooked, or neglected. Effective communication also requires intentionality and attention. We tend just to say things expecting another to understand, but their interpretation of what you said may not necessarily reflect what was meant.

James 3:2-3 TLB

2. If anyone can control his tongue, it proves that he has perfect control over himself in every other way. 3. We can make a large horse turn around and go wherever we want by means of a small bit in his mouth.

James 3:5-8

5. So also the tongue is a small thing, but what enormous damage it can do. A great forest can be set on fire by one tiny spark. 6. And the tongue is a flame of fire. It is full of wickedness and poisons every part of the body. And the tongue is set on fire by hell itself and can turn our whole lives into a blazing flame of destruction and disaster.
7. Men have trained, or can train, every kind of animal or bird that lives and every kind of reptile and fish, 8. but no human being can tame the tongue. It is always ready to pour out its deadly poison.

2. Watch your words. If you don’t have anything good (healthy or constructive) to say, then it’s best not to say anything at all.

3. Comebacks impede progress. Your quick-witted response or “clap back” does not get you to your goal.

Proverbs 12:18 Voice

18. Thoughtless words cut deeply like a thrusting sword,
but the speech of the wise is a healing balm.

Proverbs 13:3 Voice

3. Those who guard their speech insure they will take another breath,
but those who talk without thinking guarantee their demise.

Proverbs 13:17-18 TLB

17. An unreliable messenger can cause a lot of trouble. Reliable communication permits progress. 18. If you refuse criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept criticism, you are on the road to fame.

Taming the tongue:
1. Count to ten before speaking.
2. Is what you’re about to say fruitful to your end goal, or will it worsen the situation?
3. Is the person in an emotional state to hear/listen to the heart of what you want to express?
4. Are you in an emotional position to express yourself effectively?
5. Realize that it’s ok to revisit a conversation when it’s more conducive to growth.
6. Practice building others up more than you criticize.
7. Earn the right to share correction, criticism, or advice.
8) Practice asking, “Do you understand or do you have any questions?”
9) People feel empowered when they are given choices.
10) Listen before you speak, suggest, or ask.