Bible Text: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 | Pastor: Pastor Steve | Series: Engage: Do All In The Name Of The Lord Jesus

Agape Love
…is a mindset

…is a decision

…is a discipline

…is a choice of the will

…sees what is best in others

…gives people the benefit of doubt

…seeks the highest good for other people
God’s Definition Of Loving
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, 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.
The Two Foundational Attributes Of Love
Love Is Patient

Not short-tempered. Doesn’t give up. Doesn’t quit. Doesn’t give up when there is failure.

Overcomes obstacles.

Love Is Kind

Kindness takes the initiative by voluntarily responding generously to others’ needs
God’s Kindness
Chesed is the mercy of God and the active kindness of God

Psalm 118:1-4 Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever. Let Israel now say, His mercy endures forever. Let the house of Aaron now say, His mercy endures forever. Let those who fear the Lord now say, His mercy endures forever.
God’s Chesed
Consistency And Covenant

2 Timothy 2:13 If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful…

Our future hangs, not on the strength of our faith, but on the strength of God’s faithfulness!

Our eternity, not to mention our temporal existence, deserves a stronger foundation than mere human thought, feeling or opinion.

Jesus Is Always Faithful
We Can Trust The Lord’s Kindness
Psalm 118:5-9 I called on the Lord in distress; The Lord answered me and set me in a broad place. The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? The Lord is for me among those who help me; Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. It is better to trust in the Lord Than to put confidence in princes.
Trust means we give the Lord our past.
1 Corinthians 10:11  All these events happened to them as examples for us. They were written down to warn us…

Trust means we have confidence in the Lord today. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding…

Trust means we give the Lord our future. Matthew 6:34               So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.