God's Love 1

Colossians 3:14

Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 

1 John 4:7-8

Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 

THE BIBLE INSTRUCTS US THAT LOVE IS A GREAT EXPRESSION!

1. Love, as described in the Bible, is an intense and transformative force that transcends human understanding.

1 John 4:7-10 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. 8 But ANYONE WHO DOES NOT LOVE DOES NOT KNOW GOD, FOR GOD IS LOVE. 9 God SHOWED how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. 10 This is real love-not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.

2. It is both powerful and unyielding, characterized by its enduring nature and its ability to overcome all obstacles.

1 John 4:11-12 Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and HIS LOVE IS BROUGHT TO FULL EXPRESSION IN US.

1 Tim. 1:17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, to God who alone is wise, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.

Matthew 7:12 (Jesus said) Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.

When you think about your expression in life:

You consider that the clothes you wear makes a statement about your lifestyle, who you are. When in reality, your expression of love is what really makes the statement about your lifestyle.

THREE TRUTHS ABOUT YOUR EXPRESSION OF LOVE:

1. To love as you should, you set your heart and mind on the reality of heaven.

Colossians 3:1-4 Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

Love activates our focus on what truly matters.

2. To love as you should, you cut the cord to your lurking sinful nature.

Colossians 3:5-9 5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming. 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds.

Love empowers us to embrace our new identity.

3. To love as you should, wrap yourself head to toe with God’s love.

Colossians 3:10-14 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized, slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us. 12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

Love is the ultimate catalyst that unites all virtues (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience).

Love is the foundation of harmony in our relationships, plus it fuels every good work. Without love, our actions lose their eternal value.

Conclusion:

Love is the central force that transforms us, enabling us to live out our faith and grow into Christlikeness. It directs our focus, strengthens our relationships, and reflects God’s glory in our lives.