Today we are going to talk about being Women of Love.
Here, through his teachings, Jesus tells us that it is God's commandment to "love one another as I have loved you!"
John 13:34&35 A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so must you love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.
Jesus says that his Christlike love will show that we are his disciples (followers). Do people see bitterness, jealousy, back-stabbing and gossip-spreading through your actions...or....do they know that you are a follower of Jesus because of your love, compassion, care and helpful nature?
Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Let's explore together a little bit of what this means.
Faith is the foundation and content of God's love.
Hope is the attitude and focus.
Love is the action.
You see,
God's is self-existent. His love has no beginning. He has always loved us. That's why he sent His Son to die on the cross for us, as payment for our sins, so that we may have everlasting life. How much more could you love someone than to give up your child to die in their place?
John 3:16 For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
God is eternal. His love has no end. God has always loved us, is loving us now and will always love us. Forever and a day. Now that's a lot!
God is infinite. His love has no limit. Love spreads like wildfire...it is contagious.
God is holy. His love is spotless and pure. God loved and accepted all people; He just hated their sins.
God is immense. His love is larger than the seas. It reaches every corner of our life. His love reaches out to the whole world. God's love is immeasurable and inexhaustible.
The attributes of love are clearly spoken in God's Word.
I Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient; love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails, but endures all things.
Love is the greatest of all human qualities. Love involves unselfish service to others to show that you care.
When faith and hope are in line with one another, only then can you love completely because you understand how God loves.
Most of us have learned how to pretend to love others. We help them out, speak kindly towards them, avoid hurting their feelings and pretend to be interested in their life. We may even be able to pretend that we are moved with compassion when we learn of their trials and difficulties. Maybe we even become indignant when we hear they have been treated unfairly. But this isn't the kind of love that God is commanding of us.
God is teaching us about a love which is real and sincere. It goes beyond pretending and being polite.
Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It may demand some of our money and much of our time. It always demands all of our personal involvement. Honor and love people because you have been created in God's image. Because we are brothers and sisters in Christ.
Put others first!
And then the Lord instructs us on how to express Love.
Romans 12: 9-18 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil and cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who prsecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in Harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Hospitality differs from entertainment. Entertainment focuses on the host. The house must be clean, the meal prepared just so and the host must seem relaxed and good-natured. But hospitality focuses on the guest. You are focusing on them and aware of catering to their needs--whether it be for a place to stay, nourishing food or just a listening ear. Refering to our passage yesterday, this makes me think that Martha was entertaining Jesus; Mary was showing Jesus hospitality. Don't hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too busy, too tired or not wealthy enough to entertain. Hospitality has nothing to do with those things. Focus on your guests' circumstances, not your own!
Show kindness to strangers.
Hebrews 13:2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Be an encourager and know that a soft word turns away anger.
Pray fervently. Like your life depends on it, because it does!
Psalm 32:6 Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to you while you may be found; surely when the mighty waters rise they will not reach him.
This concludes this study and what I learned at the retreat. But my learning does not stop there. I read my Bible everyday, go to church all the time so I can learn more from God's Word and fellowship with other Christians. I will always have more to share with you, if you are willing to listen.
Thanks, Pat, for taking me to the retreat! I loved it and the the time we spent together!!!!
