I John 3:1

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BEHOLD WHAT LOVE (I John 3:1) The only real, lasting, pure and unconditional love comes from God. The whole world is hungry for love. No matter what race, how much money, or what position in life we hold, all the world seeks love. THE LOVE OF GOD I John 4:7-11 John tells us that God's love was manifested to the world by the sacrifice He gave of His Son. That love should be manifested in all believers because if we know Him He is in all of us. John 3:16 The proof of God's love is that He offers His love and eternal life to “whosoever will...” He does not pick and choose the good sinners from the bad sinners, He knows we all need to be saved. Romans 5:8 God did not wait for us to move toward Him, He saw our need, He sought us out by arranging His sovereign will to put us in the right place at the right time in order to hear the gospel message and make the right choice to accept His love, mercy and grace. LOVE PORTRAYED Matthew 22:35-40 What a great question and what a great answer. Jesus tells us that if His people would be able to keep these two commandments they would have met all the rest of the law. John 13:34-35 Jesus tells us that this same commandment from the law is how He wants us to live and to be identified with Him. Ephesians 5:25 A mans love for his wife should picture the godly, giving, unconditional and sacrificial love that Christ has for His church. I Thessalonians 1:3 God's love in the believer produces the characteristics of working and patience. II Thessalonians 1:3 Paul also noticed in this church an air of mutual love and of helping each other. Hebrews 10:24-25 We are to “provoke” (stir up) each other unto both love and unto good works. Hebrews 6:10; II Corinthians 8:7 Our love should be portrayed also in our giving to the saints that are in need anywhere and everywhere there is a need. Matthew 5:16 Our love for the Lord should be manifested in our entire lifestyle so there should be no doubt who we belong to because of His light shining through our life. Ephesians 4:1-3 If we really have the love of God within us we will have patience and a forgiving spirit within our churches. How often do churches split up because of harsh words and unforgiveness. Colossians 3:12-14 Notice the characteristics of a true, pure believer in Paul's letter; mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering, forgiveness, forbearance and above all put on love, the bond (glue) that makes it all happen in a mature way. LOVE PERVERTED II Timothy 3:1-5 Just as in every other dispensation since the Garden of Eden, mankind that refuses God's love finds ways to look for love in perverse forms today. Matthew 24:12 We are in the latter part of the last days when Jesus warned about deceivers, liars, and those that will have a cold heart and their love will have grown cold.