:: Cedarcrest Vision (5) ::

What is Love?

March 22nd, 2011

Every one of us has a list of characteristics and qualities that define us. These are the things that you’re known for—things that I’m known for. What are the things on your list that define you?

In light of the mission statement at Cedarcrest—Loving God and loving people as we grow together in Christ—is LOVE on your list of defining qualities about you? As we pursue our mission at Cedarcrest there should be fruit or evidence that reveals that our lives are devoted to Christ.

Love is the first fruit, or primary evidence, of a life surrendered to Christ. The kind of love I’m talking about is sacrificial love as described in John 15:12-13, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” This is the love that is modeled for us in the life and death of Jesus.

Real love is not in what we gain from the person we love. Real love is displayed in what we are willing to give and sacrifice to demonstrate our love. Jesus laid down his life for us to demonstrate God’s love for us and to model the standard of love that he calls his followers to live. This is a love unlike any other.

How are you demonstrating sacrificial love?

Now that we know what love is, next we’ll answer the question, “Why love?”

Entry Filed under: CC Vision, Love