“What Matters Most”

The Purpose Driven Life Week 16
“No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love.” – I Corinthians 13:3
“Love means living the way God commanded us to live. As you have heard from the beginning, his command is this: Live a life of love.” – 2 John 1:16

Because God is love, the most important thing he wants you to learn on earth is how to love.
“The whole Law can be summed up in this one command: 'Love others as you love yourself.'” – Galatians 5:14

God wants us to love everyone, but he is particularly concerned that we love others in his family. This is the second purpose for your life.

Peter says, “Show special love for God's people.” – 1 Peter 2:17

Paul echoes, “When we have the opportunity to help anyone, we should do it. But we should give special attention to those who are in the family of believers.” – Galations 6:10

Jesus said, “Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” – John 13:35

God wants you to be in regular, close fellowship with other believers, irritating, imperfect, frustrating people, just like you.

The Best Use of Life is Love
Love is not a good part of your life; it's the most important part.
“Let love be your greatest aim.” – 1 Corinthians 13:3

(1) Life without love is really worthless. Four of the Ten commandments deal with relationship with God, and the other 6 deal with our relationships with people. Relationships matter most to God. – Matthew 22:37-40

(2) Love will last forever. “These three things continue forever: faith, hope, and love. And the greatest of these is love.” – 1 Corinthians 13:13 When we are breathing our last breath, we never ask to see our things one last time, our biggest concern becomes our relationships, we should treat them the same way in life.

(3) We will be evaluated on our love. God measures spiritual maturity by the quality of our relationships. “Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.” – Matthew 25:40 “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” – Galatians 5:6

MORNING PRAYER
God, whether I get anything else done today, I want to make sure that I spend time loving you and loving other people – because that's what life is all about. I don't want to waste this day.

The Best Expression of Love is Time
“My children, our love should not be just words and talk; it must be true love, which shows itself in action” – 1 John 3:18

The most desired gift of love is not diamonds or roses or chocolate. It is focused attention. Love concentrates so intently on another that you forget yourself at the moment.

Jesus modeled this: “Be full of love for others, following the example of Christ who loved you and gave Himself to God as a sacrifice to take away your sins.” – Ephesians 5:2

The Best Time to Love is Now
“Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone.” – Galatians 6:10
“Use every chance you have for doing good.” – Ephesians 5:2
“Whenever you possibly can, do good to those who need it. Never tell your neighbor to wait until tomorrow if you can help them now.” – Proverbs 3:27

Point to Ponder
Life is all about love.


Verse to Remember
“The entire law is summed up in a single command: 'Love your neighbor as yourself'” – Galatians 5:14


Question to Consider
Honestly, are relationships my first priority? How can I ensure that they are?