#2 - Greater things

Title: Greater Things Through Love

Introduction:

- Begin with a touching story: Picture a community torn apart by division and strife. In the midst of this chaos, a group of individuals chose to love unconditionally, to forgive, and to serve.

Slowly, this love began to heal wounds, bridge gaps, and transform lives.

It's a powerful reminder that love has the incredible ability to lead us to greater things.

- As we gather here today, we're delving into the second message in our series on "Greater Things."

Today's focus is on "Greater Things Through Love," inspired by the words of the Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 13:13: "And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love.

But the greatest of these is love."

1. The Foundation of Love

- To understand the role of love in achieving greater things, we must first grasp what love truly is.

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul gives us a profound definition of love – patient, kind, not envious or boastful, not self-seeking, and so much more.

It's a love that goes beyond feelings; it's an active, sacrificial love.

- As Pastor Tim Keller once said, "Love without truth is sentimentality; it supports and affirms us, but keeps us in denial about our flaws. Truth without love is harshness; it gives us information but in such a way that we cannot really hear it."

Love is the glue that holds faith and hope together.

- Ask the congregation: How has your understanding of love evolved over time, and how does it impact your faith journey?

2. Love in Action

- Love, when put into action, has the power to achieve greater things.

Share stories of individuals like Mother Teresa, who dedicated her life to serving the poor and marginalized, or William Wilberforce, who worked tirelessly to abolish the slave trade.

These individuals exemplified the transformative power of love in action.

- Reflect on Jesus' command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31

Mark 12:31 NIV

31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”

Consider the impact of communities coming together in love to address social issues, combat injustice, and provide for those in need.

- Encourage the congregation to share stories of how love has transformed their lives or the lives of those they know.

3. Living Out Love

- Practical application of love is essential. Encourage the congregation to actively seek opportunities to love others in their daily lives.

As John Piper once said, "God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him."

And one way to find satisfaction in God is by living out His love.

- Discuss practical ways to show love, such as volunteering, offering a helping hand, or simply listening and offering emotional support.

As Billy Graham famously stated, "It is the Holy Spirit's job to convict, God's job to judge, and my job to love."

- Challenge the congregation to take action this week to demonstrate love to someone in need.

Conclusion:

- As we conclude, remember that love is not just an emotion but a way of life for believers.

It's the foundation upon which greater things are built.

As we strive to do "greater things," let love be our guiding principle.

- In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."

Love has the power to heal, unite, and propel us toward greater things.

Will you make love the cornerstone of your faith and actions?

Will you allow love to lead you to greater things?