Agape

Glory to God!

Yesterday's meeting was wonderful. The Lord is speaking to us about spiritual love and this is what He showed us:

"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." Eph. 5:1,2

Divine love

• God is love and we are called to love as He does. Eph. 5:1,2
• The believer can only love as God loves if he remains in God and has revelation of God's divine love. 1 John 4:15-17
• God demonstrated His love through Jesus. John 3:16
• As spiritual love is contrary to the sinful nature, the believer must choose to love and live according to the Spirit. John 15:17; Gal. 5:17
• As dearly loved children we are called to live a life of love - a life that remains in love. Eph. 5:1; 1 John 4:16

The nature of spiritual love (Agape)

1. Spiritual love is costly. It cost Jesus His life to demonstrate the extent of God's love. 1 John 3:16
2. Spiritual love is intentional. The Father was purposeful and intentional in giving the world His Son. Jesus demonstrated His love and we are called to do the same. 1 John 3:16-18
3. Spiritual love is unconditional. Spiritual love is not dependent on the response of the object of its love. God's unconditional love is revealed by His unfailing and unchanging love. Rom. 5:8; 1 John 4:19
4. Spiritual love is uncomfortable. Jesus left the place of glory to live as a servant in complete obedience to the Father. Phil. 2:1-8
5. Spiritual love is inconvenient. Jesus stepped into darkness and He calls us to do the same - to enter into someone else's darkness to give impart faith, hope and love. John 1:1-14
6. Spiritual love is unpopular. Jesus made himself of no reputation and lived to please the Father and not man. Phil. 2:6-8; Gal. 1:10
7. Spiritual love is risky. We risk rejection, humiliation, being misunderstood and being persecuted.

The reward for spiritual love

• Spiriual love glorifies God. Eph. 5:2; 2 Cor. 4:15
• Spiritual love benefits the Church. 2 Cor. 4:15
• Spiritual love benefits the lost. 2 Cor. 4:15
• Spiritual love brings eternal reward. 2 Cor. 4:17

We praise God for revealing His agape love to us and for giving us knowledge of this love that passes understanding so that we are filled with the fullness of God (Eph. 3:17-19)!

In the evening we had another special time with the homeless and needy in Frankfurt at our monthly soup kitchen. 

We are looking forward to our Healing Presence seminar with Dr Richard Maybery from 10 - 13 November. All meetings will take place at KLF, Salzschlirferstr.15. 

Quote of the week:

"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." Eph. 5:1,2

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