“We know it so well, we’ve embraced it heart and soul, this love that comes from God.” – 1 John 4:16 msg
“We love each other because he loved us first.” – 1 John 4:19
“We are going to love – love and be loved. First, we were loved, now we love. He loved us first.” – 1 John 4:19
Agape Love – sincere high value on or regard for, faithful, patient, kind, gracious, selfless
Jesus teaches us. Matthew 22:37-40 the most important scripture love God with all your heart soul mind and strength, central idea throughout the Bible.
“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?”
Jesus replied, “ ‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” – Matthew 22:36-40
Motive?
Jesus asked us to do what he said because we loved him. “If you love me, show it by doing what I’ve told you.” – John 14:15
This brings about change inside my heart. Today let’s focus on our heart condition towards each other.
Agape conversion – As we place a loving relationship with God at the center of our lives we are changed for the better.
Then we will be giving the Holy Spirit more opportunities to bring about spiritual growth in us.
We go from: “I know about God’s agape love, but a mixture of selfish eros love rules me.” To a place of: “As receive God’s love and then set my love on God, agape love shapes me, and selfishness is pressed out.”
Positive examples within our church family.
Meals when sick or facing challenges.
Helping others move.
House and pet sitting.
Listening, caring, being alongside, praying.
Speaking encouragement.
Today let’s focus on our heart condition towards each other.
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 agape love as a motivation in how we relate to each other.
Do I have a sincere appreciation for the other people that got us put in my life? Do I have a sincere high regard for these people? Am I compassionate towards them?
Asking God for help. Ephesians 4:23 “Let the spirit make new my thinking and feeling.” It is helpful to give private time and reflection to occasionally let the holy Spirit check the condition of our heart in the area of agape love towards each other.
“Forgive us as we forgive,” Luke 11:4 Jesus giving us the Lord’s prayer which teaches us truth about these things. God will respond to our prayer as we confess where we’ve been wrong ask forgiveness. Receive that forgiveness. And ask God’s help in forgiving those who do wrong against us.
Stop. Pray, asking for Gods forgiveness and help.
In this way we are best set up to give agape love to each other.
What should we do?
1. Reflect on the truth and consider what should change.
2. Ask God for help in showing heartfelt love for people.
3. Write what you value about other people.
4. Share the journey.