“By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35

“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.” Ephesians 5:1-2

Big Idea: The Gospel is Good News that radically changes the way that we love others.

1. Genuine love is a humble and sacrificial love toward others. (v. 9-16)

• Love seeks good for the well-being of others (Discernment) ( 9)
• Loves other believers as family ( 10)
• Love honors and values others above themselves ( 10, 16)

“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the dead.’” Luke 14:12-14

• Love serves others fervently ( 4-8, 11-12)
• Love shares resources to meet the needs of others ( 13)
• Love empathizes with others ( 15)

2. Genuine love is a forgiving love toward all who wrong us. (vv. 14, 17-21)

• Love does not retaliate against those who have wronged us

“If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” Luke 6:32, 35-36

• Love forgives and loves our enemies just as Jesus did
• Love trusts God to make things right (to settle the score)

“When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 2:23