PENTECOST SERIES 2024 – LOVE (2)
FRIDAY 10 MAY 2024
Introduction
Today I would like to talk about one of the most important themes in Scripture and our lives: LOVE. Love is something that everyone needs and longs for, regardless of age, gender or background. The Bible, as the Book of God, is full of the message of love, and it begins with the truth that “God is love.”
WHAT IS LOVE?
But we have to ask ourselves: do we all understand the same thing when we talk about love? In our everyday language, love can refer to many things, from romance to friendship, from devotion to our families to love for our country. But the Bible speaks of a specific kind of love, a Godly love, known as “AGAPE.” This love is self-sacrificing, unconditional, and lasting. The Scripture we read, 1 Corinthians 13:1-8a, emphasizes the absolute necessity of love in our lives as Christians. Paul writes that even if we can speak in tongues or have the greatest faith to move mountains if we do not have love, it would profit us nothing. Even the most remarkable achievements and sacrifices are meaningless without love.
THE CHARACTERISTICS OF LOVE
The description of love that Paul gives is challenging to say the least. Love is patient and full of goodness. It is not self-centered or egocentric. It keeps no record of anyone’s faults but rejoices in the truth. It is tolerant, hopeful, and persistent. This kind of love is not natural to us; it is a gift from God through the work of the Holy Spirit. In our culture, love is often seen as a feeling or emotion, something that comes and goes. But the Bible calls us to a much more tangible kind of love, something that is persistent and reliable. It is a love that does not get angry easily, but rather forgives and seeks blessings for others.
To love in the manner Paul describes requires an active decision and a daily task. We can grow in love by focusing on practicing love as Jesus showed us. It can mean being self-sacrificing, devoting time and energy to others, and forgiving when it’s difficult. Jesus Christ is the perfect example of this love. He sacrificed Himself for our sins because He loved us. His life and death are as far as you can go with the expression of agape love. If we follow Him, we are called to practice the same kind of love.
LOVE LANGUAGE
Practice the five love languages. Love is not just an idea or concept; it is an action and a choice. Ask yourself how you can convey God’s love to the people around you today through the following five ways:
Positive words: Express compliments and kind words. Say “I love you” or thank someone for something they mean to you.
Time and attention: Give your time and attention to someone else. Spend quality time with them and show genuine interest in their life.
Gift-giving: A small gift like a bunch of flowers, a card, or something else can have a big impact. It shows that you thought about the person.
Serve others: Offer a helping hand or do a task for someone else without expecting anything in return.
Touch: A hug, a friendly handshake or a warm smile can brighten someone’s day and show that you care.
SUMMARY
Love is the essence of the Christian life. It is not just an emotion, but a decision and a way of life. May we strive daily to live out love in our words and actions, and may we always remember that God loves us with eternal, unconditional love.
PRAYER: Lord, we thank You for Your unconditional love. Help us to reflect this love in our own lives and share it with others. Give us the grace to love as You have loved, to forgive, serve and bless. May we grow in love every day and be such a testimony of Your love for the world. In Jesus’ name we pray. AMEN