What Does It Mean To Practice Love?

John 21:15-17

Thesis: To show what it means to have godly love for others.

Introduction:

1. How do you understand the word "love" to mean?

2. The Bible gives us the example of love, which we are to emulate.

Discussion:

Let us consider…

I. What love is (Jn. 3:16).

A. "Love can be known only from the action it prompts" (Vine).

B. "Love seeks out what is best for the object of its love" (James Meadows).

II. How love is shown.

A. Love is shown in Jesus' death (1 Jn. 4:9-10; Phil. 2:5-8).

B. Love is seen in our association with others, namely in the agape feast (Jude 12).

Consider also Acts 2:42, 46; 6:1-3; 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

1. The fellowship meal is not a part of the worship, but it is closely connected to

the Lord's Supper.

2. Fellowship (Greek word, koinonia) is "communion."

C. Love is evident in our ability to correct the fallen (Heb. 12:3-11).

1. There is time to encourage and exhort, but there is also a time to rebuke and

admonish (2 Tim. 3:16) even when people don't like it (2 Tim. 4:2).

2. There is a process that may take a lot of time (Mt. 18:15-18).

Conclusion:

1. [Agape] Love is misunderstood by many.

2. Love is a difficult action word but brings much joy.