Sermon on 25 August 2024 by Pastor Justin
Introduction
Love is action. Love is giving. Love is not feeling.
Message
My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. - 1 John 3:18
The bible says that love expresses itself in sacrificial deed and in the spirit of truth. One of the distinguishing marks of the disciples of Christ is love (John 13:35; 1 John 3:14-15).
When you get angry about many things, you are in darkness. But once you have love, peace settles in your heart. The love of God is unconditional. It is sacrificial love. The promises of God are a yes and amen, but they are conditional. If you want to have eternal life, you have to believe. If you want healing, you must have faith. If you want to walk in the light of God, you need to love one another.
The gospel of Jesus Christ is a gospel of action. James tells us that faith without works is dead (James 2:15-17). Love is an act. Love is not a feeling. Love is a willing.
So they come to you as people do, they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they do not do them; for with their mouth they show much love, but their hearts pursue their own gain. - Ezekiel 33:31
Are you loving with your mouth in words or loving in deed and truth? We grow exponentially in love, faith, hope, humility, grace, mercy, truth, and knowledge of God. Anyone who does not love their brother or sister is not a child of God (1 John 3:10). Let us prove our love in action, in kindness, and helpful deeds. Our Lord Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, including Judas Iscariot (1 John 13:1-5). Can we be like Jesus and love the unlovable? Jesus’ act of love is not based on feeling nor depend on our worthiness or our response to Him. In God’s kingdom, greatness is measured by how we serve and love others (Matthew 20:28). The act of love is a measure of Christian maturity.
Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. - Romans 12:9-10
Are you willing to love in action, serve in love, and not feeling? The highest form of love is agape love. This is a self-sacrificial love. The greatest proof of the gospel’s message is our love for one another through serving one another.
Blessed to be a blessing (Acts 20:35; 1 Peter 3:9). Soften hearts and open minds to the gospel message (Matthew 25:40).
An act of love is a win-win for everyone involved. Take the focus off ourselves and our own needs and desires.
Genuine love motivates us to serve in action and not based on feeling (John 13:1). It is not emotion but commitment. Our motivation is always love.
Closing
Are you willing to trade your time, talent, and treasure to serve and to love in action? An action, not a feeling, is love. Expect nothing in return. Freely give. It is more blessed to give than to receive.
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