- Discovering True Love
- Love is more than a feeling; it’s an action.
- Feelings are a great servant but a terrible master.
Jeremiah 17:9 // The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?
- ἀγάπη (agape)- selfless, unconditional, sacrificial love that seeks the good of the other regardless of their worthiness or response.
1 Corinthians 13:1-2 // If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 // Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Thessalonians 5:11 // Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.
- Relationship question: How can I best support you in this season?
- O: Others-Focused
1 Corinthians 13:4-5 // It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking
Philippians 2:3-5 // Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.
- Selfishness drains the life from a relationship, while service deposits strength to make it grow.
- Relationship question: How can I serve you better?
- V: Values
1 Corinthians 13:6-7 // Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- To value someone means you focus on their importance without tripping over their issues.
Romans 12:10 // Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.
- Relationship question: What can I do to make you feel honored?
- E: Endures
1 Corinthians 13:8 // Love never fails.
Colossians 3: 13 // Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- Every thriving relationship is the result of two great forgivers.
- Relationship question: Is there anything I have done that has hurt you and how can I fix it?
1 John 4:7 // Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
