“Love”
by Pat McIntosh
With the passing of time, over-use of a word results in changing definitions. Such is the case with the word “love.” We love movies, books, food, drink, animals, a sunset, our kids, our spouses and our parents. The context in which we use the word will generally indicate the level or nature of our love at a given time. As we look at how the word is used today, it is clear that there are major misunderstandings about what constitutes “love.”
Biblically, we have a little more help in understanding how to define love as there are no less than three different Greek words translated as “love.” The word “eros” has to do with sexual love. The word “agape” is the love that demands the best for the object loved. Here, I want to spend a little more time on the word for “brotherly love” or “phileo.”
We share a relationship that many in the world cannot understand. Yes, most of us have brothers and sisters with whom we share varying relationships. We are closer to some than others, but all are based on a familial kinship. The love we share as Christians rises above this love because of that upon which it is based. We have a special relationship because of the common bond we share in Christ. Because this relationship is different than any other, the level and nature of this love must rise above all others.
Yet, it is a reality that, in many (if not most) congregations this love is missing. We must be those who show our faith by our love. Our love for God is manifested in obeying His will. Our love for our brethren will be a love that is shown as well as professed. May we all strive for that level of love
A.M. Sermon – What Does the Bible Say About Love? (1 Cor. 13:1-13)
-
The Necessity of Love – vs. 1-3, Matt. 17:20; 10:8; Rom. 13:8-10; Col. 3:12-14
-
The Details of Love – vs. 4-7; 1 Jno. 3:18
-
The Developing Nature of Love – vs. 8-13; 2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 8:24-25
P.M. Sermon – Giving God Our Best (Mal. 1:6-10)