Series: A COVID Christmas 2.0 [#4]
NEED LOVE?
1 John 4:7-12
Introduction:
In the late 1960’s, the Beatles were asked to write a simple song that would be performed on the 1st live Global TV show. The song was, “All You Need Is Love”. While the idea of the song is not the same type of love that we are talking about today, the lyrics are correct- All we need is love. Love is powerful. We all seek to have it; and we all need it.
1 John 4:7-8
Love…
1. Defined.
There are many definitions of love. People have been searching for love since the beginning of time. In the Greek, there are several different types of love: Storge- A familial love. Phileo- The love of close friends. Eros- A sexual love. Agape- An everlasting and sacrificial love. The Bible defines love. In our text, we see that love, (Agape love) is tied to God. Love comes from God. God is love; and God is the source of love. There cannot be true love without God being in it.
God is characterized by love. In fact, this is so true that it defines those who belong to God. Our text gives us this test for determining who has been born of God and for who knows God. Because God is love, those of us who claim to know God should live lives characterized by that love. How do we know that God is love? It’s one thing to say it, and it’s quite another to see it.
1 John 4:9-10
Love…
2. Demonstrated.
If you want to see love demonstrated, look at Jesus. He is the evidence of God’s love. He is the demonstration of God’s love. In Christ we see the depth of His love and compassion for us. Christ came because God loves us. Christ came because God is love. Christ came because God saw our need for love and did something about it.
Think of how difficult this was. Christ left His throne in Heaven knowing that He would have to offer the sacrifice of His life in order to save us from our sins. Christ humbled Himself for us by being made in human form.
Christ became an atoning sacrifice for our sins; and He did that so that we might live through Him. He died for us. He died for our benefit. He died so that we could live. What greater love could ever be shown? How could anyone look at that sacrifice and not see the very love of God? He did it all for love. He did it all for you. That is the love of God demonstrated.
1 John 4:11-12
Love…
3. Duplicated.
God’s love demands a response. God wants His love to be duplicated in us. Since God so loved us, we should love one another. This is how love is duplicated in us. As we love one another, our lives are reflecting the very love of God; and this is how others will see God’s love.
Conclusion:
People may not be able to see God; but they can and do see us. Is your life showing the love of God? Love is powerful. Never underestimate the power of the smallest deed done in love. We see the love of God at the cross; but we also see the love of God in the manger.
