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August 29, 2021
Love Moved First | Part 3
Love Moves to Serve
(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(1 Corinthians 13:4 – 7 CSB) Love is patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, is not boastful, is not arrogant, is not rude, is not self-seeking, is not irritable, and does not keep a record of wrongs. Love finds no joy in unrighteousness but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
1. Love shares the load.
(1 Corinthians 13:7 CSB) It bears all things . . . hopes all things, endures all things.
(Galatians 6:2 CSB) Carry one another’s burdens; in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
(Matthew 22:37 – 40 CSB) He said to him, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.”
2. Love goes the extra mile.
(Matthew 5:38 – 42 CSB) You have heard that it was said, “An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.” But I tell you, don’t resist an evildoer. On the contrary, if anyone slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other to him also. As for the one who wants to sue you and take away your shirt, let him have your coat as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two. Give to the one who asks you, and don’t turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
(Romans 12:9 – 21 CSB) Let love be without hypocrisy. Detest evil; cling to what is good. Love one another deeply as brothers and sisters. Take the lead in honoring one another. Do not lack diligence in zeal; be fervent in the Spirit; serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer. Share with the
saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud; instead, associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own estimation. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Give careful thought to do what is honorable in everyone’s eyes. If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Friends, do not avenge yourselves; instead leave room for God’s wrath, because it is written, ‘Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay,’ says the Lord. But ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him something to drink. For in so doing you will be heaping fiery coals on his head.’ Do not be conquered by evil, but conquer evil with good.
3. Love sacrifices of itself.
(John 15:12 - 13 CSB) This is my command: Love one another as I have loved you. No one has greater love than this: to lay down his life for his friends.
(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 eternal life.
(Romans 5:8) But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
(Ephesians 5:1 – 2) Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
4. Ultimately, Love serves.
(1 Corinthians 13:5 CSB) Love is not self-seeking
(1 Corinthians 13:5 MSG) Love cares more for others than for self. (1 Corinthians 13:5 ESV) Love does not insist on its own way.
