Loving the World

I’m sure everyone here knows about God loving the world, from John 3:16, and how we are

to love it too as his children and followers, but what does that mean for people with mental

health issues? Would anyone like to share some of their difficulties in loving the world in

the midst of emotional difficulties?

I think the main problem for most people is the view that we are to do this loving from our

own frail strength. If we look at the following bible verse, there are some keys to loving as

God does:

Mark 12: 30-31 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with

all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as

yourself. There is no commandment greater than these.”

Let’s notice that the first half of this passage is to love God with all that we are. That’s a big

one. I think it's safe to assume Jesus meant for us to grow into this command, that we

allow his spirit to move in us, showing us areas we are to submit to God, as we learn to lean

deeper into his strength, inspiration and faith that he wants what is best for us. I think

Hebrews 13:20-21 supports this idea:

Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant

brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep,

equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is

pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Would anyone like to share something Jesus has equipped you with, given you the insight,

strength, or even healing, so that you could do his will?

The second half of the bible passage from Mark is about loving others as we love ourselves.

Let’s focus on the last 4 words. Loving ourselves does not come easily to us and is key to

having love to share. If we are empty, how can we pour out love? One of the most

important things that Christ equips us with is the conviction that we are loved, and if we

believe God is perfect, then he is right to love us. There is a peace, a healing that occurs

when we accept that we are beloved by a perfect being. From that place, we can be filled to

overflowing with his love, and that is the love we are to share on our fellow man.

Yet Not I But Through Christ In Me

What gift of grace is Jesus, my Redeemer

There is no more for Heaven now to give

He is my joy, my righteousness, and freedom

My steadfast love, my deep and boundless peace

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus

For my life is wholly bound to His

Oh, how strange and divine, I can sing, "All is mine"

Yet not I, but through Christ in me

The night is dark, but I am not forsaken

For by my side, the Savior, He will stay

I labor on in weakness and rejoicing

For in my need, His power is displayed

To this I hold, my Shepherd will defend me

Through the deepest valley, He will lead

Oh, the night has been won, and I shall overcome

Yet not I, but through Christ in me

No fate I dread, I know I am forgiven

The future's sure, the price, it has been paid

For Jesus bled and suffered for my pardon

And He was raised to overthrow the grave

To this I hold, my sin has been defeated

Jesus, now and ever is my plea

Oh, the chains are released, I can sing, "I am free"

Yet not I, but through Christ in me

With every breath, I long to follow Jesus

For He has said that He will bring me home

And day by day, I know He will renew me

Until I stand with joy before the throne

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus

All the glory evermore to Him

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"

To this I hold, my hope is only Jesus

All the glory evermore to Him

When the race is complete, still my lips shall repeat

"Yet not I, but through Christ in me"