11. In God's Family, We're Known for Love

Introduction

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Biblical: John 13:34-35

Observations

Jesus said, “Love one another” three times!

It’s a commandment. (John 13:34)

Not just a commandment but the greatest commandment! (Mark 12:30-31)

Explanation: How can we be commanded to love?

Illustration: My friend, Ana, from college, “You can’t help who you love.”

Jesus can command us to love because love is not a feeling.

Jesus didn’t say, “A new command I give you: Have intense feelings for one another. Get butterflies in your tummies when you think about each other. Be sexually attracted to one another. Enjoy the way the others make you feel when you’re together.” He said, “Love one another.”

The world confuses affection, attraction, and emotion, for love. But love is much deeper than affection, attraction, or emotion.

Love is willingly giving yourself for the highest good of the other.

Example: Moms are one of the clearest examples of Christlike love we have.

It’s a new commandment. (John 13:34)

Explanation: How is this a new command? See Leviticus 19:18.

John 13:34… Here’s what’s new: “Just as...” We’re commanded to love just as Jesus loves.

Illustration: What does “Just-as-Jesus-love” look like? The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37).

Application: Just-as-Jesus-love happens when love intercepts difference.

Love — Difference = Uniformity

Difference — Love = Division

Love + Difference = Just-as-Jesus-Love

It’s the greatest witness. (John 13:35)

Exposition

Illustration

Application

Conclusion

The Great Enemies of Love

Self-centeredness

Indifference

Contempt

Indulgence

Meditation: God, what do you want me to do?