Character
John 13:34-35
How do YOU define love?
“I called my doctor on the telephone
Help me Doc there’s something wrong
I can’t shake it it’s gone too far
He said, ‘Tell me what your symptoms are.'”
“I said, ‘My hands are sweaty and my knees are weak
I can’t eat and I can’t sleep
It’s turning me every way but loose.’
He said, ‘It sounds like love’s got a hold on you
no doubt love’s got a hold on you.'” – Alan Jackson
Love originates in the very being of God.
1 John 4:8
Chesed = times = God’s loyal, persistent, everlasting love
Isaiah 54:8-10
Agape = times = unconditional, sacrificial, love…the highest form of love
A new commandment I give to you, that you “unconditionally, sacrificially” love one another:
just as I have “unconditionally, sacrificially” loved you, you also are to “unconditionally,
sacrificially” love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you
have “unconditional, sacrificial” love for one another.
Romans 5:8
1 John 3:16
1 Corinthians 1:18
We have to come to the understanding that love as it originates and flows from God goes beyond feeling. Love is a choice.
#1 – The first choice we have to make is to RECEIVE the love of God.
1 Timothy 1:12-14
#2 – The second choice we have to make is to REFLECT God’s love to Him and to each other.
If we will make the and the to love, the Holy Spirit will birth His love in us and through us.
God’s love is not primarily based on feelings. God’s love is based on choice.
Why does love matter?
1 John 3:14
What is the one thing Jesus would most want you to do after hearing this message about His love?