WISDOM FOR LOVE
Understanding Love from God’s Perspective
Introduction
Love fest.
Wisdom for love.
We want to go back to the root:
- What is love?
- Where does it come from?
- How do we show love?
- How does God show love towards us?
To understand the true meaning of something, you have to go back to whom defined it. In this case, it’s God Himself. He Himself is love.
1. Created in the Image of Love
Genesis 1:26
God made us in His image and likeness. This means we are supposed to love the way He loves, and express it the way He expresses it.
2. Love Is the Foundation
1 Corinthians 13:1
Paul says:
- Even if you preach or prophesy but with no love, we are like a loud noisy gong.
- If you do it without love, you are nothing.
Love is not optional – it is essential in everything we do.
3. Love Is Not an Emotion
Love is not an emotion.
- God loved the world; He did not have feelings of love for the world.
- If He felt that He loved us, then there is a possibility He might also feel He doesn’t love us.
Conclusion: Love is not based on feelings – it is based on a person.
4. The Demonstration of True Love
John 15:13-16 | Romans 5:8
- Greater love is laying yourself down for your friends’ sake.
- We didn’t choose Him; He chose us. He actually loved us first.
- God demonstrated His love towards us by Christ dying for us.
5. Knowing God Through Love
Psalm 139:17 | 1 John 4:7 | 1 Corinthians 13:4
Theme verse for the week: 1 John 4:7
- He who does not love does not know God.
- His love is demonstrated in His nature.
Further reading: Ephesians 4:32, 1 Corinthians 10
6. Love as Our Calling
The original design for love is that we as a church are the Bride of Christ. (Ephesians 5:22)
Jesus commands us:
“Love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34-35)
This is how God’s love is reflected in us.
Reflection
Lord, may I understand how You have loved me, so that I may love others the same way.