Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Beyond Love Second of Five Sundays in the Series: Life Changes
Changes in our relationships, both positive and negative, cause us to feel the stress of this life change. It is easy to forget our Christian base from which all relationships have depth and meaning. We need reminding of these principals to keep them always in view in all our relationships.
...The Greek language has three words for love, which enable us to distinguish Christian love (agape) from passionate devotion (eras) and warm affection (philia). Jesus did not tell his disciples to fall in love with their enemies or to feel for them as they felt for their families and friends. Agape is a gracious, determined, and active interest in the true welfare of others, which is not deterred even by hatred, cursing, and abuse, not limited by calculation of results or limitations, based solely on the nature of God. Love does not retaliate, seeks no reward, and does not insist on it's own way.
We must go beyond what the world claims is love in our relationships, all the way to agape love. This is our task and it is difficult. Our lives will always be receiving new relationships and letting go of others too painful to hold. This Christian focus of agape love allows us to move with less stress in the midst of our life changes by offering a single purpose of life, not based in our personal needs or wants, but a full re-creating of God's love for us.
If you can, review these books to prepare for this topic:
Book: What's Agape Got to Do With It?, L.A. Wilkerson, GOSHEN PUB HOUSE. 2001. Cokesbury $8.80
My hope is you will consider inviting a friend who needs to hear a honest word about relationships and just how we can move beyond what the world calls love. Yes, I believe we can move just a little closer to home.
Blessings, Dave Weesner
Sunday Worship
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13
Sermon Title: “Beyond Love”
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