Springs Article 2023-01 (2)
1 John 3:14-18
1 John 4:7-12
1 John 4:16-21
What is the personal name of God?
- God’s personal name is YHVH, Exodus 3:15, CJB
- God’s memorial name is ‘The God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob
- God is love: YHVH is ahavah, 1 John 4:8
- Yahavah is ahavah!
Why should I love my brother (sister) according to 1 John 4:7-8?
- Because you have received and embraced God’s love
- Love is a family relationship!
- Your brother (sister) in Christ is beloved by your Father, just as you are, 1 John 3:1, 4:7
- You love them in order to honour and glorify your Father: God
- Loving your brother (sister) is a practical expression of your love for God, 1 John 4:12,20
- If you truly have God’s love in your heart, you will love your brother (sister), 1 John 4:7,12
How can I love my brother (sister)?
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
- God’s Love is not human love; it is AGAPE: selfless and overflowing!
- Loving someone does not automatically mean that you like or trust them
- Love is an act of generosity – in order to honour and please God
- Loving means giving and forgiving – seeking the best interests of another because of God’s love for and in you
- Loves requires you laying down your selfish interests – selfishness (pride) is the greatest barrier to walking in love
- Love starts with humility (God became a man) and climaxes with generosity (Jesus died on the cross)
- Loving others also involves loving discipline and correction
To find out more, listen to the audio sermon