Introduction

Good morning, church family! Today, we're going to explore the depths of what real love looks like in our lives and how we can actively live it out in our relationships.

C.S. Lewis said, "Love is not affectionate feeling, but a steady wish for the loved person's ultimate good as far as it can be obtained." Love is not just a feeling or an emotion; it's a choice and an action.

Let's read Hebrews 13:16 together:

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Love demands action from us and that God is pleased when we actively love one another.

Before we dive deeper into this topic, let's take a moment to pray.

Lord, thank you for your perfect example of love. Please open our hearts and minds to understand the true meaning of love and guide us as we learn how to actively live it out in our relationships. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Meaning of Real Love

In order to truly grasp the depth of real love, we must first recognize that it is not simply a fleeting emotion or a temporary feeling of affection. Real love is a powerful force that transcends our emotions and drives us to make choices and take actions that reflect our commitment to the well-being of others.

Real love is not about seeking our own happiness or satisfaction, but rather, it is about putting the needs and desires of others before our own. This selfless love is beautifully exemplified in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who laid down His life for us, not because we deserved it, but because of His great love for us. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate this selfless love in our own lives and relationships, always seeking the best for others, even when it requires personal sacrifice.

Real love does not depend on the actions or behavior of the person being loved; it is given freely and without reservation. This is the kind of love that God has for us, as demonstrated in Romans 5:8, which says, "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's love for us is not based on our performance or our ability to earn His love; it is a gift that is given without condition. In our own relationships, we are called to love others unconditionally, not because they have earned our love, but simply because they are deserving of love as fellow human beings created in the image of God.

Real love is also characterized by its steadfastness and commitment. In a world where relationships are often fleeting and disposable, real love stands out as a beacon of hope and stability. Real love is not swayed by changing circumstances or the ups and downs of life; it remains constant and unwavering, providing a firm foundation upon which relationships can be built and sustained.

This steadfast love is exemplified in the love that God has for us, as described in Lamentations 3:22-23: "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." As we seek to embody real love in our own lives, we must strive to be steadfast and committed in our love for others, even when it is difficult or challenging.

In addition to these aspects of real love, it is important to recognize that It’s also marked by its honesty and truthfulness. Real love does not shy away from difficult conversations or hide behind false pretenses; it is willing to confront issues and work through them in a spirit of openness and vulnerability.

This kind of love is described in Ephesians 4:15, which encourages us to "speak the truth in love" as we seek to grow and mature in our relationships with one another. Real love is not afraid to address problems or confront wrongdoing, but it does so with a heart of compassion and a desire for growth and healing.

When we truly love others, we not only seek their well-being and happiness, but we also desire to see them grow and become the best version of themselves. Real love is not content with maintaining the status quo or simply accepting others as they are; it actively seeks to help them grow, change, and become more like Christ.

This transformative aspect of love is beautifully illustrated in the relationship between Christ and the Church, as described in Ephesians 5:25-27: "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless." As we seek to embody real love in our own lives, we must be willing to invest in the growth and transformation of those we love, helping them to become all that God has created them to be.

The Necessity of Action in Love

The necessity of action in love requires us to actively engage in acts of kindness, compassion, and sacrifice for the well-being of others ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO