The Secrets of Lasting Love
Series: 40 Days of Love
March 29, 2009
Pastor Bill Bump
Isaiah 54:8 (GN)
...I will show you my love forever. So says the Lord who saves you.
The foundation for a stable life, no matter what we go through in life, is the unchanging love of God.
The challenge: God asks us to give the same kind of unchanging love to others.
John 15:12 (NLT)
“I command you to love each other in the same way that I love you.”
I Corinthians 13:7 (LB)
If you love someone you will be loyal to him no matter what the cost. You will always believe in him, always expect the best of him, and always stand your guard in defending him.
THE NECESSARY HABITS FOR A LIFETIME OF LOVING:
1. THE FIRST THING WE HAVE TO LEARN IS THAT LASTING LOVE EXTENDS GRACE.
No relationship makes it without grace.
1 Corinthians 13:7 in several translations:
- (GW) Love never stops being patient.
- (Mes) ...(love) puts up with anything...
- (NCV) ...(love) patiently accepts all things...
- (NJB) ...(love) is always ready to make allowances...
We have to allow for mistakes.
Two imperfect people cannot create a perfect relationship.
Ephesians 4:2 (NLT)
Be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowances for each other’s faults because of your love.
2. THE SECOND THING WE HAVE TO LEARN IS THAT LASTING LOVE EXPRESSES FAITH.
Faith and love are intertwined because love is built on trust.
1 Corinthians 13:7 in several translations:
- (GW) Love never stops believing.
- (NIV) …(love) always trusts...
- (NLT) …(love) never loses faith...
Trusting people live happier lives.
To be trusted is the greatest gift we can give somebody.
Galatians 5:6 (NIV)
...The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.
3. THE THIRD THING WE HAVE TO LEARN IS THAT LASTING LOVE EXPECTS THE BEST.
Lasting love is hopeful.
I Corinthians 13:7 in several translations:
- (GW) Love never stops hoping.
- (LB) …(love) always expects the best…
- (Mes) …(love) always looks for the best…
People tend to live up to our expectations of them.
We need to treat people the way we want them to become, not the way they are.
4. THE FOURTH THING WE HAVE TO LEARN IS THAT LASTING LOVE ENDURES THE WORST.
Lasting love is persistent, determined, and resolute.
I Corinthians 13:7 in several translations:
- (GW) Love never gives up.
- (NLT) …(love) endures through every circumstance.
- (NIV) …(love) always perseveres.
- (Mes) …(love) never looks back, but keeps going to the end.
CONCLUSION:
Learning to love is the single greatest lesson in life.
