INCANSABLE AMOR | SERIE: VIVIENDO COMO JESUS | RUAKH

The Challenge of Working with Youth

Introduction to the Message

• The speaker shares a personal experience about changing his planned message due to inspiration from the Holy Spirit during prayer.

• Reflecting on his past as a youth pastor in Sacramento, he recalls his last group of young people and how this relates to his current role as a substitute teacher.

Understanding Youth Dynamics

• The speaker emphasizes that to be successful in working with youth, one must genuinely love them, despite their challenging behaviors.

• He humorously notes that while young people often seem knowledgeable, they frequently neglect basic responsibilities like cleaning their rooms or taking out the trash.

Personal Reflections on Love and Commitment

• While teaching middle school students aged 12 to 14, he expresses concern about the future generation but acknowledges God's investment in youth.

• He reflects on his own feelings towards working with stubborn youths; although it was not always enjoyable, he consistently loved them.

The Nature of Parental Love

• The speaker draws parallels between parental love and commitment in marriage, stating that love is an action and a decision rather than just a feeling.

• He highlights that even when children are difficult or unlikable at times, parents' love remains unwavering.

Long-Term Impact of Investment in Youth

• He advises that the fruits of investing time and effort into young people may not be evident until they reach their twenties.

• Sharing anecdotes from previous experiences with younger children who expressed affection quickly compared to teens who are more reserved.

Challenges and Rewards of Engaging with Young People

• Despite difficulties in engaging teenagers who may appear indifferent or distracted (e.g., using phones), consistent investment can yield positive outcomes over time.

• The speaker appreciates those who continue to preach to youth weekly, acknowledging both challenges and rewards associated with this ministry.

Conclusion: Navigating Adolescence

• He concludes by recognizing the complexities of adolescence—acknowledging hormonal changes affecting behavior while encouraging parents not to lose hope.

• Emphasizes understanding that adolescents often do not know what they don't know; thus patience is essential for guiding them through these formative years.

Incansable Amor Understanding Unconditional Love

The Challenge of Loving Others

• The speaker reflects on the exhaustion that comes from loving someone who does not appreciate it, emphasizing the emotional toll this can take.

• True love, as taught by Jesus, extends beyond family and friends to include even enemies, highlighting the difficulty of such unconditional love.

• Dependence on God's love enables individuals to cultivate compassion and sacrificial love for those who may not deserve it.

The Call to Love Unconditionally

• God calls us to love a community that may not merit our resources or affection, urging believers to treat others as they wish to be treated.

• The message encourages interaction among congregants by sharing the title "incansable amor" (unfailing love), fostering a sense of community.

Contextualizing Jesus' Teachings

• In Mark 6:30-37, the disciples return from their mission and are exhausted; Jesus recognizes their need for rest.

• The speaker shares personal experiences with church culture regarding rest and emphasizes its importance in ministry.

Recognizing Human Limitations

• Despite their fatigue, the disciples are confronted with a large crowd needing guidance; Jesus shows compassion towards them.

• When asked to send the crowd away for food, Jesus challenges his disciples by instructing them to feed the multitude instead.

Experiencing Divine Provision

• The disciples express doubt about feeding so many people due to limited resources; this moment sets up a lesson in faith and reliance on divine provision.

• Emphasizes that being a disciple involves stepping beyond comfort zones and experiencing God's supernatural power through service.

The Choice Between the Multitude and the Disciples

The Miracle of Multiplication

• Jesus performs a miracle by multiplying loaves and fish, feeding thousands, and leaving 12 baskets of leftovers.

Reflecting on Our Role

• A question is posed: Would you rather be part of the crowd that consumes and leaves or among the disciples who serve despite exhaustion?

The Value of Service

• Preference is expressed for being one of the twelve disciples who not only receive but also serve, clean up, and remain in Jesus' presence.

Presence Over Provision

• The true value lies not in physical sustenance but in staying with Jesus after others have left; it emphasizes commitment to spiritual growth.

Compassion vs. Sympathy

• Discussion on human tendencies towards pity and sympathy versus true compassion, which involves actively participating in solutions to problems.

Empathy vs. Compassion

Understanding Empathy

• Empathy is defined as understanding another's suffering without fully experiencing it yourself; it requires effort but can be cultivated through decency.

The Call to Compassion

• Jesus teaches that compassion goes beyond empathy; it means recognizing needs and taking action to help others regardless of personal connections.

Evangelism as an Act of Compassion

• Evangelism is framed as sharing spiritual nourishment (the "bread") with those who are spiritually hungry, driven by genuine concern for their salvation.

The Nature of Love

Motivations Behind Evangelism

• Emphasis on evangelism not being about filling seats or financial gain but about ensuring names are written in the Book of Life through compassionate outreach.

Love Beyond Familiarity

• Challenges are presented regarding loving strangers compared to our own family members; highlights the need for divine love that transcends personal relationships.

Energy from Compassion

• It’s noted that relentless love stems from compassion rather than mere energy; this drives individuals to act even when they feel depleted themselves.

Responding to Needs

Urgency in Helping Others

• Acknowledgment that desperate people may overlook ethical considerations when seeking help; calls for readiness to assist regardless of personal circumstances.

Understanding Compassion and Service

The Role of Pastors in Emergencies

• The speaker reflects on the late-night calls received by pastors, questioning why people reach out at such times. A mentor advised that in true emergencies, it's better to call upon God than to expect human solutions.

Expectations of Spiritual Leaders

• There is a common misconception that pastors are always spiritually equipped to help others. While it’s a privilege for people to seek their guidance, those in desperate need often overlook the pastor's own needs.

Jesus' Example of Compassion

• Jesus takes his apostles away for rest but encounters a crowd upon arrival. Instead of dismissing them, he chooses to serve them with compassion, highlighting the importance of selflessness even when exhausted.

Human Limitations and Divine Love

• The speaker discusses how love for others can sometimes stem from human effort rather than divine inspiration. This is particularly relevant in family dynamics where emotions can lead to poor reactions.

Discipline vs. Punishment

• There's a distinction made between disciplining children out of love versus reacting out of anger or vengeance. True discipline should come from a place of care rather than frustration.

The Challenge of Loving Others

Universal Love as an Ideal

• The speaker emphasizes that loving everyone, including those who act against us or do not know Jesus, is challenging but necessary. Jesus exemplified this love even towards corrupt religious leaders.

Emotional Burdens and Spiritual Strength

• It’s acknowledged that while one may not feel like loving or forgiving in difficult moments, practicing love is essential and must be rooted in God's strength rather than personal merit.

Importance of Community Support

• The community plays a vital role in supporting each other through challenges. Even when feeling unwell or overwhelmed, fulfilling one's responsibilities can bring unexpected strength through divine purpose.

Sustaining Goodness Amidst Fatigue

The Cost of Doing Good

• Engaging in good deeds can be exhausting; however, it’s crucial not to grow weary in doing good as emphasized by Paul. This fatigue is part of being committed Christians and responsible parents.

Understanding Parental Struggles

• Parents often face exhaustion due to their responsibilities; they understand the weight of caring for children unlike those who are less involved. This highlights the emotional toll taken on dedicated caregivers.

Responsibility and Love in Parenting

The Role of a Good Parent

• A good parent sets rules for their children to protect them, emphasizing that love is the motivation behind these rules.

• Parents must balance discipline with understanding, recognizing that their guidance is rooted in love rather than control.

The Nature of Love

• The speaker highlights that true love is an action and not merely a feeling; it requires consistent effort and commitment.

• Love can evoke feelings but fundamentally remains a verb—an ongoing action that reflects God's nature.

Seeking Divine Support

• Daily reliance on the Holy Spirit is essential for cultivating patience and love, as personal strength may falter.

• Acknowledging the struggle against one's "old self" emphasizes the need for spiritual renewal to avoid negative traits resurfacing.

Boundaries in Relationships

Jesus' Example of Compassionate Boundaries

• Jesus demonstrates compassion by meeting needs but does not stay to solve every problem, illustrating healthy boundaries in relationships.

• The importance of knowing when to step back from toxic relationships is emphasized; sometimes loving someone means letting go or setting limits.

Practical Applications of Love

• It’s crucial to recognize when continued efforts in a relationship become harmful rather than helpful, advocating for self-care alongside love for others.

• Setting healthy boundaries can prevent emotional exhaustion and maintain one’s well-being while still showing Christian love towards others.

Understanding Compassion and Boundaries in Leadership

The Nature of Love and Access

• The speaker discusses the misconception that love equates to granting access to everyone, emphasizing that true love does not mean allowing harmful individuals into one's life.

Personal Reflections on Pastorship

• The speaker reflects on their early arrogance as a pastor, admitting they mistakenly believed they could change people who were ultimately detrimental to them.

Responsibility for Change

• It is highlighted that only the Holy Spirit can change individuals; pastors should not feel responsible for solving others' problems or changing their behavior.

Managing Expectations in Counseling

• When providing marital counseling, the speaker stresses the importance of managing expectations and warns against emotional episodes without real-life application.

Prioritizing Care for Committed Individuals

• The speaker points out how leaders often neglect those who genuinely want to grow while focusing on rebellious individuals, leading to a misallocation of care and resources.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Family Dynamics and Boundaries

• Emphasizes the need to set boundaries with family members who are toxic, stating that loving someone does not require inviting them into every aspect of your life.

Compassion vs. Enduring Harm

• The distinction between compassion and tolerating constant harm is made clear; enduring abuse is not a sign of Christian virtue but rather a misunderstanding of compassion.

Recognizing Toxic Relationships

• The speaker encourages discernment in relationships, asserting that one can love deeply while still rejecting harmful behaviors from others.

The Importance of Discernment

Understanding Scriptural Misuse

• Many use scripture manipulatively; it’s crucial for Christians to educate themselves about their worth and recognize when relationships become destructive.

Knowing When to Walk Away

• There are times when it’s necessary to end relationships with those who refuse help or continue abusive patterns; wisdom is needed in these decisions.

Jesus as a Model for Setting Limits

Jesus’ Example of Withdrawal

• Jesus withdrew from hostile environments, teaching us that it's acceptable to move on from unproductive situations where our presence isn't valued or welcomed.

Acceptance of Hostility

• Acknowledges that not everyone will accept you positively; even Jesus faced rejection. Leaders must be prepared for hostility while remaining steadfast in their mission.

This structured summary captures key insights from the transcript regarding leadership, compassion, boundaries, and personal reflections within pastoral roles. Each point links back directly to specific timestamps for easy reference.

The Importance of Boundaries in Relationships

Understanding Jesus' Approach to Relationships

• The speaker emphasizes the glory found in serving others without complaint, referencing that Jesus will reward those who serve faithfully.

• Jesus set conditions for his followers, indicating that not everyone is suited for discipleship; he loved everyone but limited access based on their readiness.

• The speaker discusses the necessity of blocking negative influences in life, comparing it to social media practices like "unfriending" or blocking contacts.

Mental Health and Emotional Well-being

• The importance of prioritizing mental health over public perception is highlighted; one should consider what God thinks about their emotional state rather than worrying about others' opinions.

• The speaker shares personal boundaries regarding late-night calls, emphasizing the need for self-care and recognizing one's limitations as a human being.

Practical Parenting Insights

• Parents are encouraged to engage with their children daily, even when exhausted. Love and presence are crucial despite fatigue from work or other responsibilities.

• The speaker reflects on the challenges of parenting while acknowledging that love can rejuvenate energy levels needed to care for children.

Imperfection in Parenting

• Acknowledgment that no parent is perfect; parents often do their best under challenging circumstances. Gratitude towards parents is expressed despite past grievances.

• Encouragement for parents to simply show up and be present in their children's lives beyond just providing material needs.

Honoring Parents and Building Character

• Children are reminded that honoring parents leads to blessings, even if they don't always understand parental decisions or actions.

• Emphasis on understanding parental authority can be frustrating but highlights the importance of respect and prayer for one's parents.

Navigating Work Challenges with Integrity

• For those facing difficult work environments, maintaining integrity and kindness is essential. Trusting God during tough times at work can lead to eventual rewards.

The Power of Love and Service

Embracing Love and Compassion

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of love and compassion, stating that these qualities lead to blessings, flourishing, and prosperity in life.

• Encourages the congregation to shift their perspective on work, viewing it as a means provided by God to meet their needs rather than a burden.

The Call to Serve

• Highlights Jesus' example of retreating for prayer but always being present when love was needed; Christians should embody this spirit of service even in times of personal struggle.

• A true follower knows how to serve despite lacking resources such as time or talent, reflecting a deep commitment to God's calling.

Sharing God's Light

• The speaker expresses a desire to be used by God, sharing the message of love and light with others who may feel abandoned or lost.

• Encourages individuals to reflect on the transformative power of Jesus in their lives, prompting them to share this experience with others.

Preparing for Communion

• Asks the congregation to prepare for communion while introducing a trusted servant who will lead this sacred moment.

• Affirms that although the individual may lack formal credentials, they possess a genuine pastoral calling and are preparing for ministry.