GROWTH AND GRACE

This Sunday we had the last message of our “Love Revolution” Series. The final aspect of Love from I Corinthians 13 that we addressed is “Love never fails” (v. 8). We highlighted the fact that, although true, agape love itself never ends, as fallen beings we fail in our ability to show it. It is only when we enter eternity with God that we will have a complete picture of perfection that will allow us to express love fully. Yet this should not mean we stop striving to love better daily. Our calling as Christians to show agape love even on earth was described as requiring both growth and grace. The message was a great reminder of what it means to live love.

Growth

We discussed the tendency we may have to “give up” on trying to love others better because of our less-than-perfect efforts. For example, a husband goes to great lengths to surprise his wife with a romantic evening, thinking he’s scored, but then annoys her by forgetting to complete the important errand she asked him to do. Despite the fact that our expression of love is not perfect, this should not discourage us from doing better next time. Philippians 1:9-10 reminds us why increasing in love is part of our calling:

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ." (NASB)

As we commit to growth, He increases our ability to grow in love - and wisdom!

Grace

Just as we are to give ourselves room to continuously cultivate love despite our limitations, we also must allow people to make mistakes while trying to love, like we do. Sometimes we have expectations of others that cannot be met, as “none of us is working with perfection.” Even the people we love – and love us— fail us at times. Through the message we were reminded to show others grace as an expression of love, just as God has given us grace – and immeasurably.

CONCLUSION

“Growth and Grace” summarizes how we can join the Love Revolution. As I pondered the message, I could not help but think of Paul’s instructions to the church of Colosse in Chapter 3 of his letter:

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3: 12-14)

As I shared during the “Song of Songs” series several months ago, love really is something we must practice – a 24-hour job (we should do it even in our sleep, lol!). But Scripture is clear there is no greater calling – in this life, and the life to come.

Love is a verb, so let’s live it, in revolution – with growth and grace.

Here’s the final “Love Revolution” Message…