What Is Love? Week 2

Bloom Church Podcast

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:20 NLT

Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter. Matthew 7:21 NLT

'Later, when the other five bridesmaids returned, they stood outside, calling, ‘Lord! Lord! Open the door for us!’ “But he called back, ‘Believe me, I don’t know you!’ “So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return. Matthew 25:11-13 NLT

“Money creates problems. climbing one mountain exposes another, higher peak. however, there is something better out there: real virtue. it is its own reward. virtue is the one good thing that reveals itself to be more than we expect and something that one cannot have in degrees. we simply have it or we don't. And that is why virtue is The Only Thing Worth striving for.” Ryan Holiday

“If the path you're on isn't making you a more generous, compassionate, hopeful, and merciful person (or, in other words, more like Jesus), then the destination isn't worth the journey.” Carey Nieuwhof

'You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart. 1 Peter 1:22 NLT

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. John 13:34-35 NLT

1. People of Love have an Authentic Affection

Be devoted to one another in love. Romans 121:10 NIV

How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony! For harmony is as precious as the anointing oil that was poured over Aaron’s head, that ran down his beard and onto the border of his robe. Harmony is as refreshing as the dew from Mount Hermon that falls on the mountains of Zion. And there the Lord has pronounced his blessing, even life everlasting. Psalms 133:1-3 NLT

“I also tell you this: If two of you agree here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them.” Matthew 18:19-20 NLT

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near. Hebrews 10:25 NLT

'So let's not allow ourselves to get fatigued doing good. At the right time, we will harvest a good crop if we don't give up or quit. Therefore, every time we get the chance, let us work for the benefit of all, starting with the people closest to us in the community of faith. Galatians 6:9-10 MSG

2. People of Love Honor one another.

Honor one another above yourselves. Romans 12:10 NIV

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” James 2:1-4,8 NLT

EVERY PERSON IS SPECIAL TO GOD, EVERY PERSON MATTERS TO GOD, & EVERY PERSON IS LOVED BY GOD.

Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. Philippians 2:3-4 NLT

The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7 NLT

SEEING VALUE IN PEOPLE IS NOT ABOUT THEIR VALUE TO YOU, BUT THEIR VALUE TO GOD.

3. People of Love have a Spiritual Enthusiasm

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Romans 12:11 NLT

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

Ministry is the pathway to maturity in our faith.

HOW DO WE INTENTIONALLY PURSUE HEALTH IN OUR CHURCH FAMILY?

1. WE RESPECT ONE ANOTHER

2. WE SHOW LOVE AND AFFIRMATION

3. WE GIVE SUPPORT

4. WE SPEND TIME TOGETHER

5. WE HAVE CRITICAL CONVERSATIONS

6. WE HAVE A SHARED MISSION WITH A SHARED RESPONSIBILITY