Explore the nature, necessity, and expression of Agape Love - God's unconditional love - and how we, as followers of Christ, are called to embody and express this love to others.
Good morning, Church Family! Today, we'll be diving deep into our understanding of love – not just any kind of love, but Agape Love – the kind of love God showers on us every day. It's a kind of love that is unique and powerful, and it's a kind of love that we, as followers of Christ, are called to embody and express.
I'm reminded of a statement by Thomas Merton, "Love seeks one thing only: the good of the one loved. It leaves all the other secondary effects to take care of themselves. Love, therefore, is its own reward." Quite a powerful quote, isn't it? It speaks to the very heart of our topic today.
Now, let's turn our Bibles to Galatians 5:22-23 where we read,
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Let's open with a word of prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, as we delve into your Word today, we pray that you will open our hearts to fully understand and embrace the nature of your Agape Love. Help us grasp the necessity of this love in our lives and learn how best to express it to those around us. We ask this in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, Amen.
The nature of Agape Love is a type of love that transcends the ordinary, a love that is divine and unconditional. It is the love that God has for us, His children, and it is the love that we are called to have for one another.
Definition: Agape Love is not based on feelings or emotions, but rather it is a conscious decision, a commitment to love regardless of the circumstances. It is a love that is selfless, always seeking the best for the other person. It is a love that is sacrificial, willing to give up one's own comfort and convenience for the sake of the other.
The crucifixion: This is the kind of love that God demonstrated towards us when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die on the cross for our sins. 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 verse beautifully encapsulates the nature of Agape Love. It is a love that is so immense and so profound that it led God to give up His most precious possession, His Son, so that we might have life.
It’s enduring: It is not fickle or fleeting, but rather it is steadfast and unchanging. It is a love that remains constant, regardless of our actions or behaviors. Romans 8:38-39 says, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." This verse reassures us of the enduring nature of God's Agape Love for us.
It’s a transformative love: It has the power to change hearts and lives. It is a love that brings healing and restoration. It is a love that breaks down barriers and builds bridges. It is a love that fosters unity and harmony. It is a love that compels us to forgive and to seek reconciliation.
It’s inclusive: It is not a love that is exclusive or selective, but rather it is a love that embraces all, regardless of race, gender, social status, or background. It is a love that sees beyond the surface and recognizes the inherent worth and dignity of every individual.
It’s active: It is not a love that is passive or indifferent, but rather it is a love that is engaged and involved. It is a love that compels us to action, to serve and to minister to the needs of others.
The necessity of Agape Love cannot be overstated ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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