Working in Perfected Love (2)

Text: Deut. 7:6-8, 1John 4:9-19, John 13:33-38

(v.16) “We know how much God loves us & we have put our trust in His love…” You need to trust in God’s love, this is where the assurance comes from that no matter what you’re going through God loves you & will make things work out for you.

(v.17) “Love has been perfected among us… that we may have boldness in the Day of Judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world”.

The latter part of the verse tells us that because of the love of God we are in the same state as Jesus. As long as we keep our eyes on Jesus, we will be above all things like He is.

(Num. 21:9) Emphasises the point that attentively, expectantly & steadily look at Jesus, every problem (even physical ones) we’re going through is negated.

1. Agape means divine benevolence and undefeatable goodwill that always seeks the highest good of the other person no matter what he does. It’s unconditional & never ending love.

2. Agape is sacrificial love that doesn’t take the worth of the recipient into consideration.
3. Agape is constant love that doesn’t depend on the recipient.

(John 13:33-38) The quality & capacity of human love cannot measure up to the standard that God requires of us.
The Greek word of human love is “Phileo” which means:

1. Fondness, an attachment for something, to take pleasure in something.
2. Have affection for something or someone
3. It is based on emotions.

It is this kind of love (phileo) that gives rise to Stockholm syndrome.

It is just like human nature and is not constant; it fluctuates based on the mood of the person.

Why then does God ask us to love each other as He loves us (agape)? We’ll continue from this point next time.