LOVE Part 2

LOVE Part 2

ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE

Dr Wole Gbogboade

Text: 1 Cor. 13: 4-7

Love cannot be love until it is expressed. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. John 3:16. When you say that you love, you need to express it to the one you love. Our Lord Jesus Christ gave us good expression of Love in two commandments, love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Secondly, love your neighbour as yourself. Mk. 12: 30-31. In our interpersonal relationship, God wants us to do good to one another. Love is embedded in our intention towards each another. It's not just what you do to your fellow human being, instead, it's as in your motive. Why do you do it? Is it for personal gain, selfish reason or greed?

The Bible say, How God anointed Jesus Christ of Nazareth...... He went about doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. Acts10:38. The express manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives, makes us to think good and do good with God and to others. Everything about Christianity is hinged on selfless lifestyle. Even the church of the living God is a house of prayer for all nations (intercession - praying for others). Isa 56:7. Mt. 21:13, 1 Tim.2:1-5. Why do we fast? Moses fasted to receive the 10 Commandments. Jesus fasted to know the mind of God before choosing His Disciples. As far as God is concerned, we don't fast only for ourselves, we fast to set the oppressed free e.t.c. Isa 58:5-8.

WHAT THEN ARE THE ATTRIBUTES OF LOVE.

1. Love must be sincere. Rom. 12:9. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honour one another above yourselves. To love is good, to be loved is better, to love and be loved is best. Even God who first loved us commands us to love Him too. Yet, He still love even those who hate Him and give everybody (good and wicked) sunshine and rainfall freely. Our love must transcend reciprocity. Even when we are not loved, we should still express Christ's love to others. It's not easy to love those who hate you but, Jesus commanded us to love those who misuse or persecute us. Mt.5:11-12. Peter said, when we do good to those who are unbelievers, the love we express can make them glorify God. I Pet.2:12(NIV). Jesus is our example v. 23-24 (NIV). Paul said, as we do good to those who hate us or pay good for evil, God Himself will deal with them. Rom. 12:14-20. Rather, we should overcome evil with our good deeds. v. 21 (NIV).

1Cor.13: 4 -7.

2. Love is patient: we should be patient in our relationship for it to produce good fruit.

3. Love is kind: we should be kind to others- neighbours, friends, relations or spouse

4. Love is not envious: Contentment will prevent envy. Supporting one another to fulfill God's purpose is another antidote against envy.

5. Love does not boast: If we realize the fact that nothing we have or possess that is not given to us by God, we will humble ourselves in relating to others.

6. Love is not proud: Same as above. Pride comes from arrogating too much importance to self or wealth mainly. Rom. 12:3

7. Love is not rude: We should accord recognition and respect to others

8. Love is not self seeking: love is about God first and others before self.

9. Love is not easily angered: Love is about controlling one's temperament to allow God's virtues flow out of one's life into others. Anger lies in the bosom of fools (not lovers) Eccl. 7:9

10. Love keeps no record of wrongs: Keep no journal of wrongs done to you by your spouse, friends, neighbours or relatives. See the good things in others.

11. Love does not delight in evil but rejoice with the truth: You should not be happy when your spouse e.t.c is hurting by your words and deeds. Embrace truth and run away from lies/false and wickedness. Ps. 45:7

12. Love always protects, trust, hopes and persevere:

Summary of love: love is doing good, not losing hope in relationship but investing in it, trusting the Lord to make it work because love never fails. V.8. Love covers multitudes of sins. James 5:20.

Don't give up on your marriage, don't give up on any of your children. The enemy is after precious souls, precious relationships. Learn to forgive and trust God to make it work. The best is yet to come, focus on God for the best. Amen.