SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2021

MEMORY VERSE: - “A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one to another” (John 13: 34).

INTRODUCTION: - Those lives are filled with more “religious activities like exercising the gift of prophecy, faith, speaking in tongues etc but have not love” do not know and understand true spirituality. The more excellent way is the exercise of spiritual gifts in an attitude of sincere love. Love must be the guiding principle behind the exercise of all spiritual expressions because love is the only context in which spiritual gift can truly fulfill God’s purpose.

1. Love, the Guiding Principle of Christian Faith

Christians are commended to love each other in a special way though they may not belong to the same local denomination or may not agree on certain issues.

1. Believers must distinguish true Christians from those who only pretend to follow Jesus by examining their love and obedience to Christ and their loyalty to God’s word (Matt 7: 21; John 8: 31; 10: 27; Gal 1:9)

2. Any person who has true and active faith in Jesus Christ and remains loyal to the authority of God’s work whether of the same church denomination or not is a brother or sister in God’s family. Those who are willing to stand for Christ and resist popular but ungodly beliefs and behaviors of our day deserve special love and support from one another.

3. Loving all true Christians, including those outside our local assemble or denomination or fellowship, does not mean that we must compromise our specific Biblical beliefs or agree totally with their doctrine. While these things should not divide us and prevent us from accomplishing our highest mission of leading others to Christ we do not necessarily have to agree or come together on all issues of faith and organization.

4. Christians must never compromise God’s holiness for the sake of a false unity. Loving God and His purpose as revealed in His word will enable us show God’s love to others especially those who believe differently that we do. Love for God must always be the top priority and guiding principle in our relationship with others (Matt 22: 37-39).

2. True Sign Of Discipleship

What must distinguish Christ’s disciple is true godly love (Gk Agape). This agape love is basically a selfless, sacrificial and supreme love that seeks and promotes the good of others (1John 4: 9-10; 3: 23; 4: 7-21).

Relationship among Christians must be characterized by this kind of love and devotion. If this type of love is missing, people outside the church will not get an accurate picture of Christ’s love and may see no reason to surrender their lives to Christ and become part of the church. Christians must befriend each other through difficulties, be careful of each other feelings and reputations and put aside their own interests in order to promote each other’s welfare (Gal 6: 2; 1Thes 4: 9; 2Thes 1: 3; 1Peter 1: 22; 2Peter 1: 7; 1John 3: 23)

We as followers of Christ are expected to love all people, including our enemies (Matt 5: 44). But we are commanded by the Lord to love our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ in a special way. i.e. as Christ loves us and gave Himself for us – Agape type of love.

But our love to others must flow from our deep love for God and His Kingdom (Matt 22: 37-38). Thus, we must not compromise God’s standard of holiness and righteousness in our bid to show love to others. If we truly love God whole heartedly and love others selflessly, then all our attitudes and actions will end up aligning with all of the commands and standards of God’s holy word.

1. What type of love should exist among Christians?

2. What should be the basis of our love for others?