THE MATHEMATICS OF LOVE Pastor Dennis Clanton

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THE MATHEMATICS OF LOVE Pastor Dennis Clanton Woodland Church Sunday, June 7, 2020 “Let me show you a way of life that is best of all. If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.” (1 Corinthians 12:31–13:3, NLT) EVERYTHING – LOVE = NOTHING 1. LOVE IS A VERB THAT ACTS FOR THE GOOD OF OTHERS. “Whoever is wise, let him take note of these things! Let them consider the LORD’s acts of loyal love!” (Psalm 107:43, NET) “And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love,” (Ephesians 4:2, Message) “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.” (Hebrews 10:24, NLT) “It so happened that a priest was going down that road; but when he saw the man, he walked on by, on the other side. (Luke 10:31, GNB) The priest was busy. In the same way a Levite also came along, went over and looked at the man, and then walked on by, on the other side.” (Luke 10:32, GNB) The Levite was indifferent.

“But a Samaritan who was travelling that way came upon the man, and when he saw him, his heart was filled with pity.” (Luke 10:33, GNB) The Samaritan was compassionate.

Growthwork What would it look like for you to love _______________? Make a list of your acts of love. What are the enemies of love?

Rate Yourself on Acts of Love 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

LOVE + NOTHING = EVERYTHING 2. LOVE GIVES SELFLESSLY TO OTHERS. “We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion—how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings, and he knows everything.” (1 John 3:16–20, NLT) “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” (John 13:35, NLT)

GROWTHWORK Who is your brother or sister? To whom is God is asking you to give your time, attention, and help? When was God patient with you? How did that make an impact on you? What could you do to become more patient? How can I build up __________ around me? Make a list of ways you can build up others.

Rate Yourself on Acts of Love 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 “Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13, NLT)