1. Loving as Jesus loves – what love looks like 1Cor.13:4-7 1. Is this love possible? a. No a. No - put your name in the place of love/it - put your name in the place of love/it - there is a darkness within us –love is not--- - there is a darkness within us –love is not--- b. Yes b. Yes - put the name of Jesus in the place of love/it - put the name of Jesus in the place of love/it

2. 2. The power of Gods love a. Love has a large heart & open hand 1. Love is patient 1. Love is patient 2. Love is kind 2. Love is kind - God is patient & kind towards us-Rom.2:4 - The Spirit wants to produce that in us – Gal.5:22; Col.3:12

3. b. What love conquers 1. The darkness/sin in us – Love says NO to - envy - envy - boasting/pride - boasting/pride - rudeness - rudeness - self-seeking - self-seeking 2. The darkness/sin in others -we say NO to - being easily angered - being easily angered - keeping a record of wrongs – 1Pet.4:8; Eph.4:31-5:2 - keeping a record of wrongs – 1Pet.4:8; Eph.4:31-5:2 - delighting in evil - delighting in evil

4. c. What love endures 1. Present circumstances - bears all things - bears all things - perseveres - perseveres 2. The future - Trusts/faith - Trusts/faith - Hope - Hope

5. 3. How should we respond? a. Recognize our failure to love, & repent b. Open our lives to Gods love so we:- 1. Receive his forgiveness 1. Receive his forgiveness 2. Experience the wonder of becoming Gods children – Rom.5:5 2. Experience the wonder of becoming Gods children – Rom.5:5 3. Take deliberate steps to act lovingly 3. Take deliberate steps to act lovingly - after the service – Love someone - after the service – Love someone - pray each day using prayer directory - pray each day using prayer directory - ask God to help you act lovingly this week - ask God to help you act lovingly this week