Authentic Christian Character Our Attitude Toward Love Rom 12:9 [Let] love be without dissimulation. Our Attitude Toward Good & Evil Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Romans 12:21 Our Attitude Towards Others 10 [Be] kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Our Attitude of Stewardship 11 Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Our Attitude of Faith 12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;

TODAY: Authentic Christian Character Our Attitude in Ministry 1) Sacrificial 13 Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. 2) Softness in Suffering 14 Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. 3) Sensitive & Empathetic 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. 4) Single-minded 16 [Be] of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

The Gospel in Practice: Authentic Christian Character pt. 3 Romans 12:15-21

Our Attitude in Ministry means… C. Sensitive & Empathetic 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. def. empathy to understand and share the emotions of other

KEY POINT #1 The Christian perspective of the human soul should result in a heightened empathy towards the emotional circumstances of humanity

Our Attitude in Ministry means… C. Sensitive & Empathetic 15 Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. God values the investment of our tears Psa 126:5 They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves [with him].

KEY POINT #2 Empathy is a sacrificial commitment to prefer others over self.

About empathizing with peoples pain… If there is any insecurity, fear or uncertainty it prohibits you from fully setting aside your concerns to enter into others. - Jon Kindler

KEY POINT #3 Sorrow and suffering are familiar friends to those who know Christ so others grief poses no personal threat.

2 Corinthians 7:10 For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death. 2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 1 Peter 4:16 Yet if [any man suffer] as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.

KEY POINT #4 Eternal hope is the anchor that helps Christians to wade out into other people's emotional storms.

1Pe 3:13 And who [is] he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good? 14 But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy [are ye]: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled; 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and [be] ready always to [give] an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

KEY POINT #5 Empathizing with people in both their joy and heartache is crucial to revealing to others the true nature of Christ

Christ is the Ultimate Example of Empathy Jhn 11:32 Then when Mary was come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying unto him, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 33 When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled, 34 And said, Where have ye laid him? They said unto him, Lord, come and see. 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then said the Jews, Behold how he loved him!

Our Attitude in Ministry means… C. Single-Minded 16 [Be] of the same mind one toward another.

1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. Phl 2:2 Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, [being] of one accord, of one mind. 3 [Let] nothing [be done] through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

KEY POINT #6 Single-mindedness is the result of a shared ambition to obey Christ.

Single-mindedness requires overlooking position 16b Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil Rom 12:17 Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. 18 If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but [rather] give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance [is] mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.