Christian Love
Christian love, often referred to as "agape" in the New Testament, embodies a selfless, unconditional love that seeks the well-being of others. This concept is central to Jesus' teachings and is epitomized in passages such as John 13:34-35, where Jesus commands His followers to love one another as He has loved them, indicating that such love is a hallmark of true discipleship. Agape love transcends mere feelings; it is an active decision to care for others, as illustrated in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which describes love as patient, kind, and devoid of selfishness or pride.Furthermore, the Apostle Paul elaborates on Christian love in Romans 13:10, stating that love fulfills the law, emphasizing that genuine love leads to the fulfillment of God's commandments. This love extends not only to fellow believers but also to enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44, where Jesus instructs His followers to love their enemies and pray for those who persecute them. Thus, Christian love is an all-encompassing principle that reflects God's nature and is foundational to the Christian faith, urging believers to embody this love in their relationships and actions.
Christian Love15
Beautiful Simplicity and Radiant Love
By A.W. Tozer0MAT 5:8JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 4:32PHP 2:1COL 3:141PE 1:151JN 4:7A.W. Tozer expresses concern over a new wave of religion that lacks the essential qualities of purity and righteousness. He longs for a return to beautiful simplicity in faith, reminiscent of Jesus' natural and unpretentious manner. Tozer emphasizes the need for a radiant Christian love that fosters kindness and charity among believers, envisioning a community so filled with love that unkindness becomes impossible. He warns against the artificial complexities that can cloud true spirituality and calls for a restoration of genuine, heartfelt faith in the church.
The Grace of Thoughtfulness
By J.R. Miller0PHP 2:3J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of thoughtfulness in our interactions with others, arguing that many people cause unintentional pain through heedless words and actions. He encourages cultivating a spirit of consideration that prioritizes the feelings and needs of others, rather than acting solely on personal impulses. Miller illustrates this with the example of a child who sacrifices his beloved canary to spare his sick mother distress, highlighting that true love involves selflessness and attentiveness. He warns against the dangers of thoughtlessness, which can lead to a lack of harmony in family and community life, and calls for proactive kindness and support. Ultimately, Miller asserts that thoughtfulness is a reflection of noble Christian character and a vital aspect of living out our faith.
Christian Love
By D.L. Moody0GAL 5:22D.L. Moody emphasizes the essence of Christian love as the foundation of the fruit of the Spirit, illustrating that love manifests in various forms such as joy, peace, and gentleness. He warns against holding truth without love, as it leads to harshness and ineffectiveness in ministry, and stresses the importance of sincere love that is not merely superficial. Moody also addresses the misconception that lack of material support equates to a lack of love, asserting that true love sometimes requires tough love and discernment. He encourages believers to reflect on their love for God and others, highlighting that genuine love is evidenced by actions and a heart aligned with God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a return to the understanding of God's profound love for humanity, demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice.
The Scriptures and Love
By A.W. Pink01CO 13:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of love in the life of a believer, asserting that true understanding of Scripture leads to a genuine love for God and fellow Christians. He warns against confusing mere knowledge with spiritual growth, highlighting that Christian love is a divine grace that should manifest in our actions and relationships. Pink outlines the importance of self-examination regarding our love for others, noting that love must be rooted in obedience to God's commandments. He also discusses the perversions of love, urging believers to cultivate a love that reflects Christ's example, which is both compassionate and firm. Ultimately, Pink calls for a love that is active, prayerful, and aligned with God's will, as a true expression of our faith.
The Most Excellent Way
By Glenn Meldrum1.0K59:03MAT 6:331CO 12:4In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a football coach who was consumed with his job and neglected his relationship with his wife. The preacher emphasizes that seeking personal glory and being consumed with worldly pursuits ultimately leads to emptiness. The sermon highlights the importance of selfless living and using our gifts for the benefit of others, rather than for our own vain glory. The preacher also discusses the deceptive nature of sacrifice, explaining that true love is not based on humanistic, man-centered love, but on selfless love that operates through the authority of Christ.
Owe No Man Anything
By William MacDonald1PRO 22:7MAT 6:24LUK 14:28ROM 1:14ROM 13:82CO 9:7PHP 4:191TI 6:10HEB 13:51JN 3:16William MacDonald emphasizes the importance of financial responsibility in his sermon 'Owe No Man Anything,' interpreting Romans 13:8 to mean that while some debts are unavoidable, Christians must avoid unnecessary debt and live within their means. He warns against the dangers of overspending, borrowing for depreciating assets, and the consequences of financial irresponsibility, which can harm one's testimony as a Christian. MacDonald highlights that the only debt Christians should maintain is the obligation to love one another, which fulfills the law and strengthens community bonds.
The Lesson of Love
By J.R. Miller0PRO 26:28MAT 16:24JHN 13:35ROM 8:381CO 13:4EPH 5:2PHP 2:51JN 4:8J.R. Miller emphasizes that learning to love is the essence of living, as demonstrated by Christ's life and teachings. He explains that true Christian love is not natural but must be cultivated, requiring patience, kindness, and selflessness, even towards those who are difficult to love. Miller encourages believers to embody this love in their daily lives, reflecting Christ's example of enduring love amidst suffering and injustice. He asserts that love is the key to overcoming life's challenges and that it should be the guiding principle in all interactions. Ultimately, the lesson of love is a lifelong journey that prepares us for eternal life with God.
1 Peter 5:14
By John Gill0JHN 13:34ROM 16:16EPH 1:41PE 5:14John Gill emphasizes the importance of genuine love and affection among believers as expressed through the 'kiss of charity' mentioned in 1 Peter 5:14. He explains that this gesture symbolizes a sincere bond that is free from impurity and reflects true Christian love. Gill also highlights the significance of peace among those who are in Christ Jesus, reminding the congregation of their chosen status and the grace that accompanies their faith. The sermon concludes with a prayer for peace and grace, reinforcing the unity and love within the church community.
The Grace of Being Obliging
By J.R. Miller0MAT 7:12MAT 25:40LUK 6:31ROM 15:1GAL 5:13EPH 4:32PHP 2:4COL 3:121PE 4:101JN 3:18J.R. Miller emphasizes the Christian grace of obligingness, contrasting those who readily help others with those who are self-centered. He explains that obligingness is a manifestation of love and an essential quality for a beautiful life, urging Christians to cultivate this grace from the beginning of their faith journey. Miller highlights that true love seeks to serve and that selfishness is unlovely and un-Christlike. He encourages believers to look out for the interests of others, offering practical help and kindness in everyday situations. Ultimately, he asserts that developing an obliging spirit not only benefits others but also enriches our own lives, making us more like Christ.
2 Peter 1:7
By John Gill0JHN 13:34ROM 13:101CO 13:13GAL 5:22EPH 4:32COL 3:14HEB 13:11PE 1:222PE 1:71JN 4:20John Gill emphasizes the significance of brotherly kindness as an essential aspect of godliness, asserting that without it, external worship and religious profession are meaningless. He explains that brotherly kindness is a reflection of true regeneration and is vital for maintaining peace and honor within Christian communities. Furthermore, Gill highlights that charity, or love, extends beyond just fellow believers to encompass all people, including enemies, and is paramount in the Christian faith. He concludes that while faith initiates the journey, love is the ultimate expression of a believer's life.
Four Loves
By C.S. Lewis12K00:29MAT 22:37JHN 15:13ROM 13:101CO 13:4GAL 5:22EPH 5:25COL 3:141PE 4:81JN 3:161JN 4:7C.S. Lewis explores the concept of love through the lens of the four Greek words: Storge, which represents familial affection; Philia, the bond of friendship; Eros, the romantic love between partners; and Agape, the selfless, unconditional love that reflects God's love for humanity and the love Christians should have for one another. He emphasizes the importance of understanding these different types of love in our relationships and spiritual lives.
The Print of the Nails
By J.R. Miller0ISA 53:5MAT 5:44LUK 6:31JHN 20:25ROM 12:10GAL 5:13EPH 4:32PHP 2:31PE 4:101JN 3:16J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of the 'print of the nails' in understanding Christ's identity and mission, as exemplified by Thomas's doubt. The marks signify not only Christ's sacrifice and love as our Redeemer but also challenge believers to embody this love and selflessness in their own lives. Miller illustrates that true Christian love is demonstrated through acts of service, especially towards those who are difficult to love, and that the essence of Christ's character should be reflected in our actions and attitudes. He encourages Christians to seek the 'print of the nails' in their character, showing love and sacrifice in everyday interactions. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a life marked by selflessness and service, mirroring the love of Christ.
Loving Your Enemies
By J.C. Ryle0LUK 6:27J.C. Ryle emphasizes the profound teaching of Jesus on loving one's enemies, highlighting that true Christian love is selfless, sacrificial, and unconditional. He explains that this love should extend even to those who hate us, urging believers to act with kindness and patience, reflecting God's mercy. Ryle points out that Christians are called to a higher standard of love than the world, which often reciprocates kindness only when it expects something in return. He encourages believers to look to God's example of mercy and assures them that practicing such charity will ultimately lead to blessings. Ryle concludes by stressing that genuine love stems from faith in Christ and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit.
On Loving Others
By J.R. Miller0JHN 13:34J.R. Miller emphasizes the commandment to love one another as central to Christian life, highlighting that true love extends beyond those who are easy to love and includes even our enemies. He critiques the tendency to qualify love based on personal convenience and stresses the importance of expressing love through kind actions and words. Miller points out that genuine love must endure through close relationships and challenging interactions, urging believers to maintain a spirit of charity regardless of others' behavior. He encourages a perspective that recognizes the hidden struggles in others, fostering compassion and understanding. Ultimately, Miller calls for a love that reflects Christ's unconditional love, which bears all things and hopes all things.
Profiting From the Word 10. the Scriptures and Love
By A.W. Pink01CO 13:1A.W. Pink emphasizes the vital role of love in the life of a Christian, asserting that true spiritual growth is evidenced by our love for God and for one another. He warns against confusing mere knowledge of Scripture with genuine spiritual love, urging believers to seek a deeper relationship with God that manifests in love for fellow Christians. Pink highlights that Christian love is a divine grace that should be cultivated and exercised in accordance with God's commandments, and that it is essential for true discipleship. He encourages believers to reflect on their love for others as a measure of their spiritual health and to actively engage in prayer and support for one another. Ultimately, Pink calls for a love that is rooted in the example of Christ, characterized by selflessness and a commitment to the well-being of others.