Micah 6:8 -- "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
Romans 13:10 -- "Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law."
Thank you for taking the time to read the sermon. I am trying to have a good day. I hope that you are all well.
For several weeks now, we've been looking at what the Scriptures have to say about love and what a life lived in love looks like. For awhile now, we've been looking in particular at I Corinthians 13 which is an important chapter on love.
Today, I want us to focus on Paul's statement in verse 8 that states, "Love never fails." What does this mean?
There are several ways that I believe that we can look at this. First of all, love never fails to me means that true love never dies. If you love someone, your love for them goes on and on even when they are not present with you in this life. My parents and my best friend Toby aren't with me on this earth anymore, but the love that I had for them while they were here with me is still in my heart. It will never go away. In fact, I know that they are in Heaven with Jesus right now, and one day, we will all be reunited, and our love for each other will continue throughout eternity.
Love never fails also means to me that you can't go wrong in loving and putting love into action in this world. If we love our neighbor as Jesus told us, it can't fail to make a positive impact in this world. If you show love to others it can't but help at least in some way to improve their life. Also, if you share the love of Jesus with others, it may lead them into accepting the Lord Jesus into their lives.
Love never fails I believe has the highest meaning when it comes to the love that Jesus has for us. Jesus has loved us with an everlasting love. His love took Him to Calvary to die in order to redeem us from our sins. His love for us has caused Him to prepare a place for us with Him in Heaven so that we can always be with Him.
One of my favorite verses in the Bible is Hebrews 13:8 that says, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today and forever." Jesus loved people when He was on this earth. He loves people now, and His love will not end for all of eternity. Jesus will always love you. He will always want to be with you. He desires that we love Him and give all of our lives to Him.
Paul tells us that the spiritual gifts will cease. Many of the things of this earth will pass away. However, there is something that will never cease and will never fail. That is love. Love never fails. Love God. Love your neighbor. Love is what Jesus is about. Amen.
Prayer Requests
Please pray that the predicted rain for my area will not transpire. I just can't deal with a whole lot more right now with my health problems. I don't mean to complain, but things aren't that easy right now. I could really use your prayers. Thank you.
Pray that God's will will be done in the US elections. Pray that there will not be any violence and that all will accept the results.
Keep praying for those recovering from the hurricanes.
Remember to pray for peace. Israel, Gaza, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Ukraine, Sudan and many other nations need our prayers on their behalf.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let's pray for those in the nations of Israel and Nepal. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will conclude our characteristics of love series. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all.
