Love: More than a feeling

We are assured of God's love again and again in scripture and in Christ's death for us.
Romans 5:8 ; 1 John 4:9,10
Love isn't simply to make us feel good. Rather it is an action that often demands very practical and even uncomfortable ways of giving love.

• Love is NOT optional- We are COMMANDED to love one another. ( 1 John 3:11, 23 ; 4:11)
• Love IS demonstrative- Our love for God is demonstrated in how we love others. ( 1 John 3:14; 4:7, 20)
• Love is ACTIVE, an act of the will- We must DO acts of love. If we close our eyes to the needs of others,our love for God is called into question. ( 1 John 3:17)
• Love is Responsive- We can love because we have first been loved and are loved by God.(1 John 4:19) God's love causes us to respond lovingly to others. ( 1 John 4:21)
• A few other scriptures to read : Romans 5:8; 1 Cor. 13:13; 1 John 5; 1 Cor.13; Gen. 2; 2 Sam.6;
• Prov. 5;  Hos. 2; Amos 3; 2 Cor. 13; Heb.12; Song 2
•  

Deeper love ...
down to our very soul
It's there we have an anchor who will not let us go;
The Lord who calmed the sea is the One who sees us through;
He's given us...a deeper love.
By: Diane Machen

All About Love
 Question                                    Answer                      Reference
The source of love                         God                           1 John 4:7-10,16
The model of love                          Christ                           1 John 3:16
 The manifestation of
love by believers                         Love for others              1 John 4:21
The extent of love                       Sacrifice of life                1 John 3:16
The results of love                      Abiding presence
                                                   of God and life               1 John 4:12,16; 1 John 3:14

Lord, You are the beginning, the end,
and the very essence of love in me
. Open my eyes to see as You
see and love others through me. 
By: Sandy Smith 

The attributes of love reflect both feelings and loving acts .( 1 Cor.13:4-8.) True love is characterized as :
 patient and slow to anger
kind and gentle to all
unselfish and giving 
truthful and honest 
hopeful and encouraging 
enduring,without end.

Love:
Agape (gk.) -Indicates a choice to serve God, to love your neighbor,to accept without expecting something in return

Love:
Philos (Gk.) -Refers to esteem and affection reflected in the loving concern friends have for one another.

Eros (Gk.) -Describes appetitive, self-centered love, including sexual desire and physical craving.

Stergos (Gk.)- Alludes to affection, especially among family members.