“Understanding our Core Values: LOVE”
John 15:9-13 (New Living Translation)
9 “I have loved you even as the Father has loved me. Remain in my love. 10 When you obey my commandments, you remain in my love, just as I obey my Father’s commandments and remain in his love. 11 I have told you these things so that you will be filled with my joy. Yes, your joy will overflow! 12 This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. 13 There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
We are given two major commands in the text:
1. Remain in Christ’s love, and
a. Obey the teachings of the Lord
i. Shows respect for His authority
ii. Demonstrates our DESIRE to be loved by Him
iii. Acknowledges our desire to please the Father! OUR FIRST PRIORITY!
b. RESULT: Overflowing Joy!
2. Love others as Christ has loved us.
Rather than tell you how Christ has loved us, I would like to demonstrate how the love of Christ affects those in relationship with Him.
Luke 15:17-24
17 “When he finally came to his senses, he said to himself, ‘At home even the hired servants have food enough to spare, and here I am dying of hunger! 18 I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, 19 and I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Please take me on as a hired servant.”’
20 “So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’
22 “But his father said to the servants, ‘Quick! Bring the finest robe in the house and put it on him. Get a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet. 23 And kill the calf we have been fattening. We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.”
1. LOVE AWAKENS THE HEART!
“When he finally came to his senses…” (vs. 17)
He realized the best of life came from home
OUR EYES ARE OPEN TO WHAT REALLY MATTERS IN LIFE!
His affection was deepened for his father as he thought of the prospects of returning
OUR AFFECTION IS DEEPENED TO THOSE WE HAVE RELATIONSHIP WITH!
2. LOVE AWAKENS THE SOUL!
“‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’ (vs. 18, 19)
He understood his pathetic condition apart from his father
WE ARE READY TO TURN OUR LIVES AROUND!
He knew what he must do to get his life on track
WE RESPOND FROM THE HEART KNOWING THAT WE NEED TO REPENT!
3. LOVE STIRS THOSE AROUND US!
“… So the party began.” (vs. 24)
Those who love as Christ loves…
a. Introduces the benefit of love – JOY
b. Waits on the fruit of love’s work – PATIENCE
c. Responds from the heart – KINDNESS
