Provoked

In this sermon from the Symphony of Love series, Pastor Wayne Surface explores 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, focusing on the characteristic that love is not easily provoked. Using illustrations with soda bottles and fruit juice, he explains how what’s inside us—whether the works of the flesh or the fruit of the Spirit—determines how we respond when life shakes us up. When we allow anger and bitterness to control us, we make a mess; but when we’re filled with God’s Spirit, we respond with love, joy, peace, and patience. Pastor Wayne challenges us to examine what provokes us, to deal with anger biblically, and to fill our hearts completely with God’s Spirit rather than allowing anger and bitterness to take up space meant for Him. Key themes include controlling our reactions, praying for those who upset us, seeking reconciliation, and maintaining fervent love in our relationships.