And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. Ephesians 5:12
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: Psalm 155-157
What is the definition of love? According to 1 John 4:8, God is love. The bible goes further to tell us about the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 , love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy , is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not arrogant; it is not rude, does not act unbecomingly. Love is not self – seeking; it takes not account of the evil done to it. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when righteousness and truth prevail and so on and so forth.
The bible then goes further again to tell us that love is showing mercy. One of the names of our Lord is Merciful and Gracious God (Exodus 34:6). A loving person shows mercy. If God is merciful, then love is showing mercy because God is love (1 John 4:8). Love is giving. John 3:16 says For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. A loving person is not stingy. Love is obedience to the word of God. John 14:15 says if you love me, keep my commandments. Many children claim they love their parents but they disobey them. Do you love your parents (spiritual and physical)? Many say honey I love you but they are not submissive to their heads (husbands). Love is sacrifice. John 15:13 says greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. You claim to love your wife, what have you giving up for her? You claim to love your family, what you have sacrificed for them? You claim to love Christ, what are others holding on to that you have given up because of Christ?
Love is an internal thing. It is a thing of the heart. Love is a fruit of the regenerated human spirit. Galatians 5:22 saysBut the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,etc. Romans 5:5 says And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.You cannot truly love except you give your life to Christ. It is impossible to love without been born again because love is a fruit of the spirit and one cannot exhibit the fruit of the spirit without being genuinely saved. Love is soul winning. A loving person will be uncomfortable when he sees people going to hell. The love of Christ will compel him or her to share Christ with them.
QUESTION: The year is running to an end, how many souls have you led to Christ? When was the last time you invited someone to church? When was the last time you prayed and fasted for the unsaved people in your community? Many of us are asking to God to do this and do that, the Lord is asking us this morning, how many people have you shared Christ with?
Bro Samuel – Reaching the world for Jesus.
