Title: PRACTICAL CHRISTIAN LOVE
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: 1 John 3:16-18
"This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth." (NIV)
Supporting Texts: John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8; Romans 12:9-10; Galatians 5:14
INTRODUCTION:
Christian love is not just a feeling or an emotion but an active demonstration of God’s love through our words, actions, and attitude towards others. It is the hallmark of a true believer and a powerful tool for evangelism. In this study, we will explore how to express practical Christian love in daily life.
1. LOVE IS SACRIFICIAL
True Christian love involves selflessness and sacrifice for others.
a) The Example of Christ
Jesus showed the ultimate act of love by giving His life for us (John 15:13).
b) Putting Others First
Love requires placing the needs of others above our own (Philippians 2:3-4).
c) Sacrifice Requires Action
Words without deeds are ineffective in expressing love (James 2:15-16).
d) Love Beyond Convenience
Genuine love involves going the extra mile even when inconvenient (Luke 6:32-35).
Biblical Example:
The Good Samaritan sacrificed time and resources to help a stranger (Luke 10:33-35).
2. LOVE IS PATIENT AND KIND
Christian love exhibits patience and kindness in relationships.
a) Patience in Difficult Situations
Love endures trials without complaining or retaliating (1 Corinthians 13:4).
b) Kindness in Words and Actions
Kindness is shown through gentle words and compassionate acts (Ephesians 4:32).
c) Forgiveness as a Sign of Love
Love forgives and forgets offences (Colossians 3:13).
d) Avoiding Envy and Pride
Love does not compete or boast but seeks unity (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Biblical Example:
Joseph showed patience and kindness by forgiving his brothers (Genesis 50:15-21).
3. LOVE IS TRUTHFUL AND GENUINE
Christian love is sincere, without hypocrisy or deceit.
a) Speaking the Truth in Love
Love does not compromise on truth but delivers it with grace (Ephesians 4:15).
b) Avoiding Hypocrisy
Love must be genuine and not just for show (Romans 12:9).
c) Living Honestly
Integrity in actions reflects love for others (Proverbs 12:22).
d) Encouraging and Supporting Others
Love seeks to build others up, not tear them down (Hebrews 10:24).
Biblical Example:
Nathan lovingly rebuked David, leading to his repentance (2 Samuel 12:1-7).
4. LOVE SERVES OTHERS
Practical Christian love is demonstrated through acts of service.
a) Serving with Humility
Jesus modelled servant leadership by washing His disciples’ feet (John 13:12-15).
b) Meeting Practical Needs
Love sees a need and takes action to meet it (Acts 4:34-35).
c) Using Spiritual Gifts to Serve
Spiritual gifts should be exercised in love to edify the church (1 Peter 4:10).
d) Giving Generously
Love motivates us to share our resources with those in need (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Biblical Example:
Dorcas served others by making clothes for widows (Acts 9:36-39).
5. LOVE IS UNCONDITIONAL
Christian love does not depend on the actions or responses of others.
a) Loving the Unlovable
We are called to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
b) Love Without Expectations
Genuine love does not demand anything in return (Luke 6:35).
c) Persevering in Love
Love continues even when it is not reciprocated (1 Corinthians 13:7).
d) God’s Love as Our Example
God loved us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
Biblical Example:
Hosea loved and forgave Gomer despite her unfaithfulness (Hosea 3:1-3).
CONCLUSION:
Practical Christian love is the essence of our faith and the evidence of our transformation in Christ. It is not passive but active, expressed through sacrifice, patience, kindness, truth, service, and unconditional acts of love. Let us strive to make love a priority in our daily lives, reflecting God’s nature to the world around us.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Lord, fill my heart with Your love to overflow into my daily life.
2. Father, teach me to love sacrificially and selflessly.
3. Holy Spirit, help me to be patient and kind in all my relationships.
4. Lord, give me the grace to speak the truth in love.
5. Father, empower me to serve others with humility and joy.
6. Holy Spirit, help me to forgive and love those who hurt me.
7. Lord, remove every form of hypocrisy from my love.
8. Father, grant me the grace to give generously to those in need.
9. Holy Spirit, teach me to love unconditionally like Christ.
10. Lord, make my life a reflection of Your love.
