Behold… What Manner of Love

puts God‘s love and justice "Christ‘s birth puts God‘s love and justice on display." Unknown

Behold…

37 For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord!

Behold Pay heed or attention to what is said Something new is being introduced Something unexpected is being introduced Something that seems impossible is being addressed

1 John 3 Behold…

Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, 1 John 3 Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called sons of God!

Behold what manner of love 1 John 3 Behold what manner of love

what manner Occurs seventeen times What country, nation or tribe What quality

Mark 4 40 And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? How is it that you have no faith?

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this…

41 And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?

showing God’s redeeming love. The incarnation began the process of showing God’s redeeming love.

Behold what manner of love 1 John 3 Behold what manner of love

It is a proven love: 9This is how God showed His love among us: I John 4 9This is how God showed His love among us: [revealing the mystery that had been hidden]

9This is how God showed His love among us: It is a proven love: I John 4 9This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.

It is a pure love: 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit Romans 8 16The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—

of God and co-heirs with Christ, Now if we are children, then we are heirs— of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.

It is a perfect love: There is no fear in love. 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

38For I am convinced that… [nothing]… in Christ Jesus our Lord. It is a powerful love: Romans 8 38For I am convinced that… [nothing]… in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

It is a protecting love: Psalm 91 14"Because he loves Me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name. He will call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him."

It is a patient love: 8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Psalm 145 8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, Slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all, And His tender mercies are over all His works.

It is a providing love: 9However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, I Corinthians 2 9However, as it is written: "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared [made all the necessary preparations] for those who love Him"—

It is a piloting love: 14…Christ’s love controls [pilots] us. 2 Corinthians 5 14…Christ’s love controls [pilots] us.  Since we believe that Christ died for all, we also believe that we have all died to our old life. 

15 He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves

1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us… 1 John 3 1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us…

bestowed Occurs 379 times in various forms Give, grant Give over to one’s care something to be delivered, or passed on

1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, 1 John 3 1Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God![

What Next? 10 In this the children of God and 1 John 3 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest:

What Next? Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 

“Behold the maidservant of the Lord! What Next? 38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

What Next?

…Let it be to me according to your word.” What Next? …Let it be to me according to your word.”

What Next? 7 …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 2 Corinthians 4 7 …we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence [pre-eminence]of the power may be of God and not of us…

What Next? 10…that the life [and love] of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. 

May the God of love, who gave his only Son to be born for you, fill your life with love and peace.

May Emmanuel, God with us, be with you in all your doings and all your celebrations, until He brings you into His eternal kingdom. Amen

Behold… What Manner of Love