OceanSide church of Christ

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The Greatest of These is Love (7)
by: Dalton Gilreath

I.                Love rejoices in truth and not in sin

A.    We can rejoice in sin a numbers of ways

                                                    i.     We can rejoice in sin by speaking joyfully about it

1.     Telling someone about our lottery winnings would be rejoicing in sin

2.     Speaking highly of getting revenge would be rejoicing in sin

                                                   ii.     We can rejoice in sin by approving of other’s sins

1.     For example, laughing at a dirty joke

2.     We might rejoice with someone who is happy about their sin

                                                 iii.     Some even rejoice in sin by enjoying others who are hurting

B.    Paul told the Thessalonians to be directed in Christ’s love (2 Thess 3:5)

                                                    i.     The very next verse addresses withdrawal of fellowship (3:6ff)

                                                   ii.     Rejoicing in someone who is publicly sinning is equivalent to what the Corinthians were doing with the fornicator (1 Cor 5)

1.     They were to love him and therefore withdraw from him

2.     In fact, he repented and came back to the church (2 Cor 2:1-9)

II.              Love bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things

A.    Bears

                                                    i.     This is in reference to how we treat others (Gal 6:2)

                                                   ii.     The word means “to put a roof over”

1.     When someone is facing a storm we are there for them

2.     We place a roof over their head as we bear their burdens

B.    Believes

                                                    i.     This term is about seeing the highest potential for good in an individual even amongst his/her sin

                                                   ii.     It is used just as we would use it in saying, “I believe in you”

1.     When someone needs to repent we encourage them to do so and let them know we believe in them

2.     We see the potential for good in folks as Christ sees it in us

C.    Hopes

                                                    i.     Love knows that all things will work together for good (Rom 8:28)

                                                   ii.     Faith plays a huge part in this as well

1.     Notice this sequence of events beginning with bearing others burdens

2.     Then you believe that person will be able to overcome

3.     And you know it will all work together for good in their lives

D.    Endures

                                                    i.     This term refers to one’s self

                                                   ii.     It means “to stay under”

1.     The idea is you are carrying a load including your own burdens and others but you don’t give up

2.     You continue to bear your cross and not lay it aside (Luke 9:23)

III.            Love never fails

A.    Love is the only measure that never fails

                                                    i.     I can’t tell me spouse I messed up but never failed to agape her

                                                   ii.     Love doesn’t fail but I fail to love at times

B.    Every day I choose who to treat my relationships

                                                    i.     I can choose to treat people the way I do because of who they are

                                                   ii.     Or, I can treat people the way I do because of who God is

1.     Not sure how to deal with someone…agape them

2.     Agape every person you come across daily whether they be friend or foe