Text: John 13:34-35

34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another;  as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.   

Sunday, 13^th October 2024

A GENUINE LOVE FOR PEOPLE

Text: John 13:34-35

Memory verse: John 15: 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. 13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

True love grows over time, deepening and becoming more profound. It is a lasting connection that continues to thrive as you grow together. The focus of true love extends beyond self-gratification. It’s about mutual growth, support, respect, and understanding. Both partners are invested in each other’s happiness and well-being. True love for people means accepting each other’s imperfections and loving the whole person, flaws and all. It is a more grounded and realistic view of each other. True love brings stability and consistency to the relationship. While there may be ups and downs, they are typically navigated with mutual respect and communication, avoiding extreme emotional swings. True love involves a deep emotional and intellectual connection that goes beyond physical attraction. It’s about common values, goals, and a genuine understanding of each other. With the same tender affection, be willing to endure trials, to practise self-denials, and, if need be, to lay down your lives for each other.

Apostle Paul told us in 1 Corinthians 13 that it is possible to develop great gifts of God in our life, without love. We can separate our gifts, develop them to a tremendous degree, and still be objective and not love people. The Bible says if we do that, then we are NOTHING! We have missed God somewhere, even though we can use His gifts. That is a great tragedy and, far too often, is the testimony of too many Christians over the years.

It is love for God and people that teaches most about exercising Spiritual Gifts! The ministering vessel needs to know something about love and compassion. He is dealing with eternal souls, and the result of his Word of Knowledge can mean release or ruin for many years to come. It is not by chance that 1 Corinthians 13 is placed where it is right in the middle of Chapters 12 and 14 that teaches us about Spiritual Gifts.

CGDS Hymn 12; SS & S 792:

WHO IS ON THE LORD’S SIDE

1. Who is on the Lord’s side?Who will serve the King?
Who will be His helpers,Other lives to bring?
Who will leave the world’s side? Who will face the foe?

           Refrain

           Who is on the Lord’s side? Who for Him will go?
           By Thy call of mercy, By Thy grace divine,
           We are on the Lord’s side, Savior, we are Thine.

2. Not for weight of glory,Not for crown and palm,
Enter we the army,Raise the warrior psalm;
But for love that claimeth Lives for whom He died:
He whom Jesus nameth Must be on His side.

3. Jesus, Thou hast bought us,Not with gold or gem,
But with Thine own life blood,For Thy diadem;
With Thy blessing filling, Each who comes to Thee,
Thou hast made us willing, Thou hast made us free.

4. Fierce may be the conflict,Strong may be the foe,
But the King’s own armyNone can overthrow.
’Round His standard ranging, Victory is secure,
For His truth unchanging Makes the triumph sure.

 Prayers 

1.  Lord Jesus, develop in me that true love for others that will drive and influence me to always tell them the truth.

2.  Lord God Almighty, empower me to Love, support, understand and respect everybody you will bring my way in Jesus’ name. Amen.

3.  Pray for others in this regard