The Bond of Love
Notes
Transcript
Introduction
Introduction
Illustration:
Picture this, a bicycle rim with all the spokes on the rim coming together to the hub. They are are coming closer together at the hub. They grow closer to one another at the hub. The bond that holds them together is the hub. That hub is love. Without love, the wheel collapses, with love, the wheel turns smoothly. In Christian community love is what makes everything work.
Think about if just one spoke breaks the hub is not as strong is it? Or if two, the wheel can start to wobble, or even collapse. That is what can happen if love is missing within the Christian community.
Story: Josh and our love poured out (1-2 minutes)
(James make sure you have the white board out before the message)
Again, like we have done in this series before this may be a little interactive this morning.
When you think of love in community, or the bond of love in the community looks like to you?
Maybe I should narrow that down, within the Christian community, our Christian community within our church?
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. 14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.
In the morning when you get up before you came to church what did you do? (pause) - - - - - answer I am looking for is put on clothes. That is some we intentionally do, we chose what we are going to wear and we intentionally put them on. It’s the same with love, we do not wake up clothed in love by accident, it takes a choice, and it takes practice.
Love Clothes the Christian Community (Col3:12-14)
Love Clothes the Christian Community (Col3:12-14)
(James pass out the definition cards to people in congregation prior to the service; ask them to read them at the appropriate time)
Paul describes compassion, kindness humility, gentleness, and patience as garments we are to put “put on.”
Ask for each definition to be read, read loudly
Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of others with a desire to help alleviate it.
Kindness: The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate; choosing to act for the good of others
Humility: A modest view of one’s own importance; recognizing our dependence on God and valuing others above ourselves.
Gentleness: Strength under control: showing kindness, tenderness, and patience in dealing with others.
Patience: The ability to accept delay, suffering, or difficulty without becoming angry or upset; enduring with perseverance.
Love (perfect bond of unity) The highest Christian virtue, binding all others together in perfect harmony; seeking the good of others in selfless devotion.
But he says love is the “perfect bond of unity” (v.14).
Love isn’t just another garment; it’s the belt that ties everything together. Without love, virtues unravel.
What happens if we do not put on love, division, bitterness, impatience, pride, maybe you have seen this before in places, even in churches, we do not want that here in our church community, so here is a reflection.
Reflection: Are there any of these that you need to work on? I know I do. I have chosen I this week that I am going to make deliberate effort to focus on and work on, for I know that Christ has given me what I need as the hub and I as a spoke need to do it. I invite, I challenge you to think about that list, those definitions and chose one yourself this next week or you to focus on as we move on to our next point
Love Guides our Peace and Gratitude (Col3:15-16)
Love Guides our Peace and Gratitude (Col3:15-16)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.
The peace of Christ rules in our hearts and shapes our relationships.
Gratitude and worship overflow where love is present, teaching and encouraging one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Love transforms community from a group of individuals into a family that sings together.
Thought provoking questions
What does it mean for the peace of Christ to “rule” in our hearts? How might that change the way we respond to conflict or disagreement?
Why do you think Paul ties peace and gratitude together in this passage?
What does it look like for the word of Christ to richly dwell” within us?
How does love transform a church from simply being a group of individuals into a true family?
Love Identifies us as Christ’s Disciples (Jn13:34-35)
Love Identifies us as Christ’s Disciples (Jn13:34-35)
34 “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
Jesus gave a “new commandment”: love one another as He loved us.
How did Jesus love? can you give any descriptions of the kind of love He gave? -Sacrificially, unconditionally, forgiving, patiently, humbly, serving.
Can you think of a time when someone outside our church recognized our love for the community in some fashion?
Love is not optional — it is the visible proof of discipleship.
One of the best accounts beside the cross is when Jesus took to washing feet Jn13:3-15.
The world recognizes Christ not primarily by our preaching or programs, but by our love for each other.
I told you this was going to be different today that it was going to be an interactive sermon today. How does the world see our love for one-another.
Personal Reflection
Practical Application
Conclusion: I recently read this and I found this to be very good: A Christian community cannot stand with the bond of love. Programs may attract, buildings may impress, preaching may inspire, but love is what convinces. Jesus said.
35 “By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
When we put on love, and we will live out Christ’s command and not only hold together as a community but shine as a living testimony to the world. Love is the bond that makes us one.
Invitation (Jesus is the greatest Gift) (Song) (Prayer)
