LOVING ONE ANOTHER: LOVING LIKE JESUS

Sermon Notes, April 28, 2013

Rev. Gary Smith

 

Pastor Gary’s sermon was titled “Loving One Another: Loving Like Jesus,” and was based upon John 13:31-35.  This passage is related to John 21:15-19, where Jesus three different words for love when he asks Peter “Do you love me?” (Eros-do you love fondly, like you love pizza? Phileo-do you love like a brother? Agape-do you love devotedly, not expecting anything in return?)

Is real love possible these days?  Love is cheap—with lots of warm fuzzies.  But too often when the warm fuzzies diminish, it’s over. Love is a choice—a commitment. Nowadays, it’s amazing when we hear of people treating their loved one with devotion, even though emotionally abused, as with a spouse who has dementia.

In verses 31-32, Jesus gives us the outcome of loving.  God is glorified by how we love God, ourselves, and others.  We are to love enough to sacrifice, as Jesus loved his Father enough to sacrifice himself for us.  We are to put the benefit of others before our own.  When the relationship is right, the surrender is easy.  We honor him, ourselves and others when we love.

In verse 33, God gets personal.  He calls them his little children, a term of endearment.  Jesus knows our concerns—he identifies with us. 

In verses 34-35, God gives a new command.  He says to love each other as He has loved us, and that is how everyone will know we love Him.  Jesus says it three times.  He’s drilling it into them.  Love God, not as someone you can live with, but as someone you can’t live without. Possess love in the presence of others. Love yourself as sons and daughters of God—as He sees you. 

2 Peter 3:9 says that He is not willing that any should perish.  We are to love others like He loves us.  He doesn’t remember the past: the past is past.  We deal with hurts, but God loves us with agape love.  He wants us to love ourselves and others with agape love—devotedly.