Introduction

Good morning, dear family of God. It is a joy to see each one of you here today. As we gather in the warmth of our fellowship and the light of His presence, I want you to know that you are loved. You are loved with a love that is immeasurable, incomparable, and incomprehensible. A love that is as vast as the universe and as intimate as a whisper. A love that is not just a feeling, but a force. Not just an emotion, but an essence. This love is Agape love, the love of God.

In the words of the great Charles Spurgeon, "God's love to His elect is not of yesterday. It did not begin with their love to Him, we loved Him because He first loved us." This is the love that we are going to reflect upon today. It is the love that He has lavished upon us and the love that He calls us to lavish upon others.

Our key Scripture passages for today’s sermon are Romans 5:8, John 13:35, John 3:16, and 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." - Romans 5:8 "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35 "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." - John 3:16 "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." - 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

Let's pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your love, a love that is beyond our understanding, a love that is unchanging and unfailing. As we gather here today, may our hearts be open to receive Your Word. May our minds be clear to understand Your teachings. May our spirits be stirred to live out Your love in our lives. We pray that Your Holy Spirit will guide us and enlighten us as we reflect on the manifestation, modeling, and maturity of Your Agape love. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Today, we are going to reflect on the manifestation of God's Agape love, model this love in our lives, and mature in it. How does this love manifest in our lives and in the world around us? How can we model this love in our daily interactions? And how can we mature in this love, growing deeper and stronger in our relationship with God and with each other?

These are the questions that we will seek to answer, not with our wisdom, but with the wisdom that comes from God. Not with our understanding, but with the understanding that the Holy Spirit gives. Not with our strength, but with the strength that God provides.

So, let us open our hearts and minds to the Word of God as we reflect on the manifestation, modeling, and maturity of His Agape love.

Manifestation of God's Agape Love

When we look at the cross, we see the ultimate demonstration of God's Agape love. The cross, a symbol of suffering and shame, became a symbol of love and sacrifice because of Jesus. He willingly laid down His life for us, even while we were still sinners. This is the love that God has for us, a love that is not based on our worthiness, but on His character. It is a love that is not earned, but freely given. It is a love that is not conditional, but unconditional.

In the book of Romans, the Apostle Paul writes, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." This shows us that God's love is not a response to our goodness, but a reflection of His goodness. It shows us that God's love is not a reward for our righteousness, but a gift of His righteousness. It shows us that God's love is not a reaction to our love for Him, but an initiation of His love for us.

God's Agape love is also in creation. The world around us is a canvas on which God has painted His love. The beauty of a sunrise, the majesty of a mountain, the intricacy of a snowflake, the diversity of a forest, the rhythm of the ocean - all these are expressions of God's Agape love. They are reminders of His love for us, His care for us, and His presence with us.

In the book of Genesis, we read that after creating the world, God saw all that He had made and it was very good. This is not just a statement of satisfaction, but a declaration of love. God created the world not out of necessity, but out of love. He created us not as an afterthought, but as the crowning glory of His creation. He created us in His image and likeness, not to serve Him, but to share in His love.

God's Agape love is also declared in His covenant. In the Bible, a covenant is a binding agreement between two parties, based on promises and sealed with signs. God made a covenant with His people, promising to be their God and asking them to be His people. This covenant was not based on their faithfulness but on His faithfulness. It was not dependent on their performance, but on His promise.

In the book of Jeremiah, God says, "I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness." This is the heart of God's covenant - a love that is everlasting and a kindness that is unfailing. God's covenant is a declaration of His Agape love, a love that is steadfast and sure, a love that is constant and committed, a love that is enduring and eternal.

Also, consider how God's agape love is also delivered in Christ. Jesus is the embodiment of God's Agape love. He is the Word made flesh, the Son of God become the Son of Man, the divine become human. In Jesus, we see God's love in action. We see His love in His teachings, in His miracles, in His compassion, in His forgiveness, in His sacrifice, and in His resurrection.

John 3:16 says, "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." This is the gospel in a nutshell - God's love delivered in Christ. It is the good news of God's Agape love, a love that saves, a love that heals, a love that restores, a love that gives life.

Transition. So, as we reflect on the manifestation of God's Agape love, let us remember that this love is demonstrated in the cross, depicted in creation, declared in His covenant, and delivered in Christ. Let us receive this love with gratitude, respond to this love with faith, and reflect this love in our lives.

Modeling Agape Love in Our Lives

The first way we can model Agape love in our lives is by practicing patience ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO