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Love's Basic Definition

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

Love is presented as the bond of perfection, the unifying force that ties all virtues together and enables their proper use. It is described as the greatest of all qualities, surpassing even faith and hope, though they are closely linked as a unity. Love is complete and permanent, never failing or ending, enduring and bearing all things. It is the aim of faith and hope, meant to be the dominating influence in a person's life, and something to be continually pursued, as one can never have enough of it. Love is not limited to specific qualities but encompasses a broad range of attributes, serving as the glue that binds them together. It is portrayed as a debt owed to others daily, a never-ending obligation that renews each morning. This multifaceted quality includes many fine traits, but without love as the bond, even noble characteristics like courage can be used destructively. Thus, love ensures that these qualities are directed rightly. God's love originates in Himself, is manifested in His Son, and is perfected in His people. This perfection occurs as a cycle: God's love flows to His people, extends to others, especially within the fellowship, and returns to Him. It matures as it is used, growing and becoming more skillful through practice, blessing both the giver and the receiver despite its costliness. Love is primarily expressed within the fellowship, strengthening the body and enhancing the witness to the world. Love is an action, proven by obedience to God's commandments, which define its basic elements and direct its course. It often requires acting despite contrary feelings, overcoming them through reasoned effort and faith to follow God's guidance. As one acts in love, feelings are re-educated by His Spirit, aligning with the right actions, enabling sincere love even toward enemies. The love of God, perfected in those who keep His Word, combines right action with right feeling, forming a cycle of growth and completion in relationship with Him.

Love

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

Love stands as the bond of perfection, uniting and completing the character God desires in us. As we love one another, God's love is perfected within us, bringing maturity and wholeness to our spiritual growth. This perfection of love drives out fear, for those who possess it have no dread of punishment or torment from sin. Through this divine love, instilled by the Holy Spirit, we reflect God's own character, demonstrating outgoing concern, compassion, and service toward others. Love, as the foundation of all spiritual fruit, paves the way for the other virtues to flourish, unifying us into one body through the Spirit, mirroring the oneness of Christ with the Father.

The Fruit of the Spirit: Love

'Personal' from John W. Ritenbaugh

Love is the first fruit of the Spirit, the one trait of God that exemplifies His character. The Bible defines love as both what it is and what it does.

Love's Importance and Source

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

God is the source of real love; mankind by nature does not have it. It is only by knowing God that we can have this love. Godly love is a cycle that God initiates.

Perfect, Gentle Courtesy (Part 3)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

Parents are obligated to teach God's laws to their children. According to Emily Post, good manners are to the family what good morals are to society.

Giving a Gift Strengthens and Bonds

Sermonette by Martin G. Collins

Giving a gift strengthens the bond between individuals, bringing about a warm feeling in the giver toward the one receiving the gift.

The Unleavened Bread of Perfection

CGG Weekly by Clyde Finklea

Keeping the leaven out is very important in its own right. However, our primary focus should not be on the leavened bread but on the unleavened bread.

'By What Every Joint Supplies'

'Ready Answer' by Staff

One of our primary duties as Christians is to build strong, loving relationships with our brethren. What are you supplying to the growth of the body?

The Identifying Sign of a True Disciple of Jesus

Sermon by Clyde Finklea

The Navy SEALs' fear is not of death, but of failing their team, parallel to the bond Jesus Christ desires among His disciples.

God's Perseverance With His Saints (Part Three)

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

The unity Jesus appeals for with His disciples is not organizational unity, but unity within the divine nature, exampled in the unity between He and the Father.

Sacrifice Dost Thou Want: Kindness

Sermon by Bill Onisick

Sacrifice is the bond of perfection, creating peace with God and peace with fellow man through daily acts of humble service. It is through our response to His initial sacrifice that we become at one with God, obeying His law and overcoming our selfish carnal nature to become like Him in our sacrifices to each other. Sacrifice requires the cost of giving up something valuable, denying personal desires, enduring loss, or accepting suffering for a greater benefit. All the fruit of God's Spirit, as described in Galatians 5, stems from humble sacrifice, where we are called to serve one another through such actions. Kindness, as a fruit of God's Spirit, is an outward attribute showing we are like God, enabled by His Holy Spirit through daily sacrifice and obedience. It is not merely a spontaneous act but requires effort to put on each day, controlling our minds to think positively of others, seeking opportunities to serve, bridling our tongue against complaints, and never speaking evil of anyone. God's Spirit of kindness readily gives to those in need without keeping score, forbears, forgives, and accepts personal loss to maintain peace. This peace of God rules in our hearts when we perform daily burnt offerings in service to God and grain offerings in service to man, both done for Him, ultimately benefiting ourselves by overcoming our carnal, selfish minds. True kindness arises from spiritual transformation and submission to God, especially in challenging situations, and is a necessary response to the forgiveness and compassion we have received from Him. Unlike the world's kindness, which often expects something in return, God's fruit of kindness is extended to everyone, whether deserved or undeserved, reflecting His character of being kind to the unthankful and the evil. When we struggle to extend kindness or forgiveness, the issue lies in our relationship with God, indicating a lack of complete daily burnt offerings of our humble mind, preventing us from fully acknowledging His undeserved kindness and ultimate sacrifice for us. Each act of kindness, given without expectation of return, transforms our selfish carnal mind into a selfless, godly one, producing the fruit of His Spirit. Through daily personal self-sacrifice, we develop a heart attuned to others' needs, ready to reach out with kindness when opportunities arise. These acts, whether a friendly greeting, encouraging words, or small gestures, strengthen unity and produce the bond of perfection, fostering peace with God and fellow man. As God's elect, we are called to be a shining light, working harder to exhibit His fruit of kindness in all interactions.

By This Shall All Men Know You

Sermon by John O. Reid

A native practice involves leaving a young man on a remote island with only a bow and arrows until he learns to become a man, and God does something similar.

Unsharpened

Sermonette by Joseph B. Baity

The church of God may have focused too intensely on elusive esoteric principles and neglected the basics, such as developing solid relationships.

We Are Part of Something Special

Sermonette by Ted E. Bowling

As we mature, our rough edges become smoothed, and we become thankful for the bond between us, looking for ways to edify one another.

Thank You for Finishing What You Start!

Sermon by Martin G. Collins

We should be thankful to God for His Holy Spirit, spiritual blessings, fellowship, as well as God's promise that He will finish what He has started.