A Genuine Love
Introduction
In Romans 12:9-21 Paul
talks about behaving like a Christian. Love plays a central role in the
behavior described in this text. The central fact in these verses is that
genuine love involves sacrificial involvement in the lives of others. Any claim
of love that is characterized by indifference and un-involvement is not a true
but a false love. How is genuine love exemplified?
I. Where does Genuine
Love Begin?
A.
In a relationship with God
1.
Rom. 12:1-2 - must put ourselves totally at the disposal of God.
a)
How? Study and Service
b)
Loving one another begins by loving God!
2.
Acts 16:14-15, 40 – Lydia
B.
Within ourselves.
1.
Rom. 12:2-3 - transformation will help us learn
to use the gifts God has given us to contribute to lives of others.
II. How is Genuine Love Exemplified?
A.
Rom. 12:9 - two major characteristics of the
kind of love that God expects.
1.
12:9a - is not hypocritical.
2.
12:9b – Genuine love involves
abhorring that which is evil…
3.
True love bands itself to good &
supports the virtuous in every way.
B.
12:10-13 – genuine love in action!!
1. 12:10a – genuine love is
seen in our devotion.
2.
12:10b - true love is unselfish – See Phil. 2:3-4; 1 Thess. 5:12-13
3. 12:11 – enthusiasm – no holding back!
4. 12:12a – hopefulness
5.
12:12b – consistency
6.
12:12c – prayerfulness
7.
12:13 – generosity
8.
12:13b – hospitality
III. We must overcome certain challenges to express genuine love.
A.
We
have all resources we need to exhibit every characteristic just
mentioned.
B.
But,
we often keep love from flowing as it should! Why?
C.
Fear
can hold us back.
1.
Fear of being hurt can hamper relationships.
D.
We
must realize that genuine love is more than a feeling or emotion.
1. It is an attitude.
Conclusion
A.
How is your love for God?
1. Turn your life over so that you can begin
to exhibit true love toward others.
2.
Do you love God more than yourself & the world?
B. Are you demonstrating genuine love?