Week 4: Embrace Widely

Our love for others should be all-embracing, rather than selective or exclusive.
​This includes loving those who are different from us, or are difficult for us to love. 

Scripture Orientation: ​Luke 15:20-24 (NRSVUE)

​20 So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him. 21 Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’[c] 22 But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate, 24 for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!’ And they began to celebrate.

Theological Perspective: Love Is All-Embracing

We are called to be a people of wide embrace. Our love of the “other” is rooted in God’s love for us. We seek, as Wesleyans, to love others as we have been loved in Christ. We acknowledge that not all people think alike but believe all can love alike.

Homiletical Perspective:

Three important points:
  1. Jesus had a wide embrace. Give examples in the Gospels of Jesus actively loving and including people who were often excluded on the basis of class, gender, ethnicity, religion, or disability (see resources below). Jesus calls his followers to love others as he has loved us, including our enemies.
  2. Everyone has sacred worth because they are created in the image of God and are beloved children of God. Furthermore, Jesus offers salvation to all people and extends an invitation to follow him and serve his mission through his church. Finally, the Holy Spirit equips every believer with gifts that the church needs to accomplish its purposes in the world. 
  3. While we do not all think alike, we are called to remain united as we love alike and focus on the mission of Jesus in a broken world.    ​
So what?
​When introducing the sermon, you may reflect on personal experiences of exclusion. Depending on your context, you may also reflect on how issues around human sexuality have divided the United Methodist Church.

Downloadable Resources

Wesley Resources

Sermon

"Embracing Widely" - Sample sermon by Dr. Paul W. Chilcote
Embracing Widely sermon at First, Lakeland - Bishop Tom Berlin

Worship and Liturgical Resources

Click here to download traditional and contemporary music suggestions, prayers and liturgies.

Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices

Click here for reflection questions suitable for individual or small group study, along with suggested exercises for the week.
​​Small Group Guide - Each guide contains a short introduction to the series/guide, a sample lesson plan and prayers for each week.
​​Small Group Guide in Spanish.
Bulletin inserts/handouts with discussion questions and scripture readings - courtesy of Centreville UMC, Centreville, MI

Family Resources

Big Hearts, Bright Love: The Wesleyan Adventure of Growing in God's Love tells the story of Sam, Chaz, Suzi, Juan and Wes as they go on an adventure to learn of God's love. The book includes a Family Discussion guide with questions, prayers, challenges and devotions. ​Created by: Rev Madeline Luzinski (Family Discussion Guide), Rev. Dr.  Latricia Scriven (children's story) and Rev. Dr. Hedy Collver (illustrations & design).

Click here to download the "Embrace Widely" section. ​

​Order your copy and support children in need across Florida

To order a copy of Big Hearts, Bright Love, click here. Net proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children's Home).

Sermon Bumper Videos

Click play button, then click the icon in bottom right to download.
Embrace Widely Sermon Bumper - 0:45 seconds
Embrace Widely Sermon Bumper with SUBTITLES - 0:45 seconds

Slide Template

Embrace Widely - PPT Template

Title Graphic without title

Promotional Graphics

Wesleyan Rooted is an initiative of The Florida Conference of The United Methodist Church.