Introduction

A. Love is a misunderstood word.

B. Love is the crowning grace of 2 Peter 1:5-7.

1. “No grace stands alone” (Woods).

2. Be careful not to reshape love into an idol (1 Jn. 4:8).

I. What Is Love?

A. Agape

1. “a self-less dedication to others” (Jackson)

2. “the greatest of all loves, commitment” (McCord)

B. Love is self-less, sacrificial, and universal.

C. Love finds its source and measure in God (Jn. 3:16; Rm. 5:8; 1 Jn. 4:10).

II. Why Is Love Important?

A. Love provides a healthy environment for spiritual growth (2 Pet. 3:17-18; Eph. 4:15; 3:17; Prov. 29:15).

B. Love provides motivation for Christian living (2 Cor. 5:14-15; 1 Tim. 1:5; 1 Cor. 12:31; Col. 3:14; Rm. 12:21).

1. “Love can be known only by the actions it prompts” (Vine).

2. “Hatred motivates people to do terrible things. Love motivates Christians to do good things” (Sheerer).

C. Love provides evidence of our relationship to Christ (Jn. 13:34-35; 17:21; Eph. 4:15).

III. What Does Love Look Like?

A. Love looks like Jesus (Hb. 1:3; 1 Jn. 4:8; Mt. 1:23; Jn. 14:9; Acts 10:38; Mt. 11:2-5; Mt. 9:36; Mk. 6:34).

B. Love looks like His followers.

1. We must be consistent (Mt. 5:48; Rm. 3:23; Mt. 5:44-45).

2. We must actively seek the good of others (Mt. 22:37-39; Gal. 6:10; 1 Th. 3:12; Rm. 15:2).

3. We must obey the will of the Father (Ph. 2:8; Jn. 14:15).

C. How do I get started?

Conclusion

A. Love is self-less, sacrificial, and universal.

B. Love identifies us as followers of Jesus.

C. Love is seen in obedient response to God’s will