SERMON | 'Gospel Love: Building Kingdom Relationships' | 1 Thessalonians 2:7-9

Matt Murphy explores the transformative power of self-giving love within the Kingdom of God, using Paul's relationship with the Thessalonians as a model. Reflecting on his own experience of isolating and shallow connections, Matt acknowledges the human tendency to seek "safety" in separation. However, Paul’s example in 1 Thessalonians reveals a different way—a life shared deeply with others, marked by gentleness, devotion, faithful presence, and care, much like a family. This sermon emphasizes that true, flourishing relationships require us to look to Christ as the infinite source of love, enabling us to love others without expectation or transaction. It calls the church to embrace this self-giving love, anchored in Christ, as the foundation for genuine, lasting community.