The Connect Group of JFA Youth commenced with a discussion about a short life to live and how it should be lived in order to spend it purposeful. One aspect that we looked at is to live the Life with Love.
Aligning the discussion to the scripture Ephesians 5:1,2 which says, Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God, we were able to understand that love in its context is never a tiny thing to deal but a wonderful surrender and submission.
Many easily can say the phrase “I Love You” and yet it just stops at being words. The full context of what they say is not understood and so not put into appropriate actions. In this sense, many can say love but not all can do it. Love is more than just a word.
In further discussion, we were able to determine the definitions of love that is true and proper. Love is a word so often used but a concept so hard to explain. The greatest regrets most people have in life have to do with their relationships. Living for what matters necessitates learning how to love in every sense of the word. God, who is Himself the author and source of love, demonstrated true love for us through His Son, Jesus Christ. (A Life Lived With Love, Victory).
Following are three ways God demonstrated His love for us and exemplified how we are to love others.
A. Love unconditionally. God did not look at our sins. Romans 5:8 demonstrated God’s absolute love for us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us. Moreover, it is only when we experience God’s love we will be able to truly love others.
B. Serve sacrificially. Serving at the expense of self and considering the needs of others over your own reflects a loving and selfless heart. John 15:13 says Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
C. Forgive completely. Forgiveness is a critical component of love. It is directly proportional to how much we understand God’s forgiveness in our lives. This is supported by the seventy-seven times forgiveness written in Matthew 18:22.
Generally, this lecture points only one truth. We have a so little time to live here on earth. And for us to live it with purpose, we should learn to live it with love to others just as how we are loved by God. Life is a matter of sharing the love we receive from Christ.
Acknowledgement: http://www.victory.org.ph/resources/small-group-materials.html
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