Go! And Love Without Limits Series

Go! And Love Without Limits

Introduction:

Love is the defining characteristic of a follower of Christ. Jesus said in John 13:35 (NLT), “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” But what does biblical love truly look like? How do we love in a way that reflects Christ’s love? In this message, we will explore the depth of biblical love and its transformative power.

1. Love is Selfless

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) – “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”

The Apostle Paul, writing to the Philippians, exhorts believers to imitate Christ’s humility. The Greek word tapeinophrosyne (tape???f??s???) used here for humility denotes a deep, selfless concern for others, an attitude of putting others before oneself.

Biblical love is not about seeking personal gain. It is about sacrificially putting the needs of others first. This is countercultural in a world that promotes self-interest and pride.

A mother sacrificing sleep and personal comfort to care for her newborn exemplifies selfless love. How much more should we reflect Christ’s selfless love in our daily interactions?

“God’s love is unselfish and sacrificial, and He calls us to love in the same way.” – Francis Chan

2. Love is Forgiving

Colossians 3:13 (NLT) – “Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”

The Greek word for forgive, charizomai (?a????µa?), implies an act of grace, a generous pardon that expects nothing in return. Paul reminds believers that our forgiveness should mirror God’s abundant mercy toward us.

Loving as Christ loves means letting go of grudges and extending grace, just as He has done for us. Is there someone you need to forgive today?

Corrie ten Boom, a Holocaust survivor, forgave a former Nazi guard who sought her pardon after the war. Her story reflects the power of Christ’s love in overcoming bitterness.

“To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” – C.S. Lewis

3. Love is Active

1 John 3:18 (NLT) – “Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”

John contrasts empty words with genuine love demonstrated in action. The Greek word ergon (?????) used here refers to deeds, labour, and effort—implying that true love is expressed in tangible ways.

Love is more than words; it is demonstrated through acts of kindness, service, and generosity. Are we showing love in practical ways to those around us?

The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) did not merely express sympathy; he acted sacrificially to care for the wounded man.

“Love is not just something you feel, it is something you do.” – David Jeremiah

4. Love is Unconditional

Romans 5:8 (NLT) – “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.”

The Greek word for love here is agape (???p?), referring to a divine, unconditional love that seeks the best for others, independent of their actions.

Loving as Christ loves means loving without expecting anything in return. Do we love others despite their flaws and failures?

The father in the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) displayed unconditional love by welcoming back his wayward son.

“God loves each of us as if there were only one of us.” – Augustine

5. Love Leads to Obedience

John 14:15 (NLT) – “If you love me, obey my commandments.”

Jesus equates love with obedience. The Greek word tereo (t????) for obey means to keep, guard, and observe—implying a devoted commitment.

True love for Christ compels us to follow His commands. Are we living in obedience to God’s word?

A child who trusts their parent obeys them not out of fear, but love. Our obedience to Christ should stem from love, not obligation.

“Obedience is the hallmark of faith. When we obey God, we show our love for Him.” – Charles Stanley

6. Love Leads to the Narrow Path

Matthew 7:13-14 (NLT) – “You can enter God’s Kingdom only through the narrow gate. The highway to hell is broad, and its gate is wide for the many who choose that way. But the gateway to life is very narrow and the road is difficult, and only a few ever find it.”

Jesus describes two paths—one broad and leading to destruction, the other narrow and leading to life. The love of Christ leads us down the narrow path of righteousness and faithfulness.

Loving as Christ loves means walking in truth and righteousness, even when it is difficult. Are we choosing the narrow way of Christ’s love or the broad road of compromise?