Power Point - January 3, 2006
Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. --1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Music throughout the generations highlights the beauty of love with song lyrics like “It’s Love, Love, Love That Makes the World Go Round,” “What the World Needs Now is Love Sweet Love,” and “You’re Nobody Till Somebody Loves You.” Love seems to conquer all in our selfish and cynical generation, doesn’t it?
The darker the days as we approach the end of the age, the Scripture says that sin shall increase and the love of many will grow cold. John, beloved disciple of Christ and nearest to the heart of God, was called upon at the end of his life to appear before the church at
His departing words to the congregation? The aged apostle said, “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” (1 John 4:7-8).
Love is attractive and appealing. Certainly it’s true that if a church body or even one believer extends the love of Jesus Christ to a non-believer, then a life will be forever changed. I believe a lot of people are distancing themselves from the fellowship of believers because they are tired of words without actions in love.
The Bible says that faith, knowledge, martyrdom, benevolence, and the gift of prophecy mean nothing without love. Love is to be a priority and a practice. It is patient, kind, courteous, forgiving, sympathetic, unselfish, and humble, and is not envious, rude, or easily provoked. It covers a multitude of sins and is unconditional. Ask God to mature and develop you in His love.
WHEN YOU PRACTICE THE LOVE OF GOD IN YOUR LIFE, IT WILL BECOME A PRIORITY.
