LoveADD TO YOUR FAITH…

(2 Pet. 1:5-9)

Previous Characteristics faith - conviction of truth of divine things virtue - courage to choose right from wrong knowledge - understanding of God’s word self-control - mastery of thoughts, actions perseverance - staying the course godliness - seeking first to please God brotherly kindness - the special kinship and care we reserve especially for brethren

Introduction love (agaph) – actively seeks the good of others, even at own expense◦ pinnacle of the spiritual graces given in the gospel (1 Cor. 13:13)(Col. 3:14)

◦ not reserved, to be shown to all (Mt. 5:43-45)

◦ best seen in God (Rom. 5:8)(1 Jn. 3:16; 4:8)

Christ-like love cannot be realized without the foundation of the previous graces

The Role of Love binds the faithful together and to God

◦ foundation of fellowship (Eph. 4:1-3, 15-16)◦ when personalities clash (Rom. 14:14-15)◦ when sin has been committed (James 5:19-20) (2 Thess. 3:14-15), forgiveness (2 Cor. 2:6-11)

demonstrates the love of God to the lost◦ mercy to the needy (James 2:1-13)◦ preaching the gospel to all (Mt. 9:36-38)

Growing in Love reflect on love shown us by God

◦ (1 Jn. 3:16)(Lk. 7:41-43)(2 Cor. 5:14-15)

make a choice to act towards our fellow man consistent with love (1 Cor. 13:4-8)

pray for growth, even of love (Phil. 1:9)

reject selfishness (Mk. 12:30-31)(Phil. 2:1-4)

Conclusion of all these Christian qualities, love is the most obvious, but also the most difficult◦ it is the exercising of virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, and brotherly kindness, all for the purpose of God and others

◦ yet, we will enjoy the fruit that is born through spiritual growth and faithfulness

keep growing into Christ! (2 Pet. 3:17-18)