Biblical Love: An Expression of Goodness and Care (Matthew 5:43-48)

I. Introduction

• Defined as “an expression of goodness and care.”
• Three key aspects of Biblical love:
  1. Love is a Choice
  2. Love is not selfish
  3. Love can run cold

II. Love is a Choice

• Love as a deliberate choice.
• Genesis 3:6 – The choice of Adam and Eve.
• Exodus 20:6 – God’s enduring love and mercy.
• Choosing to love aligns us with God’s will.

III. Love is not Selfish

• 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 – The “Love Chapter.”
• Characteristics of true love:
  • Love is patient
  • Love is kind
  • Love does not envy
  • Love does not boast
  • Love is not proud
  • Love does not dishonour others
  • Love is not self-seeking
  • Love is not easily angered
  • Love keeps no record of wrongs
  • Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth
  • Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres
• True love seeks the welfare of others.

IV. Love Can Run Cold

• Revelation 2:4 – Forsaking first love.
• Revelation 3:19 – The call to repentance.
• The importance of nurturing and maintaining love.

Conclusion

• Biblical love as a powerful and transformative force.
• A daily choice, a selfless act, and a commitment.
• Striving to embody divine love in our lives.