The word LOVE (loved, loves, loving) is mentioned over 700 times in the Bible. The Hebrew word used in the Old Testament is AHEB and the Greek word used in the New Testament is AGAPE although occasionally, the word is PHILEO denoting friendship. In this Pointer we will be examining the first three of the seven dimensions.
1) GOD’S LOVE DECLARED AND DEMONSTRATED
‘The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.’ Psalm 145:8
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this : While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
2) LOVE EXPLAINED
Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him and we will come to him and make our home with him.” John 14:23.
‘Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good’ Romans 12:9 (See also 1 Corinthians 13)
3) LOVE COMMANDED
‘”Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied : “’ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it : ‘love your neighbour as yourself.’ All the Law and the prophets hang on these two commandments.”’ Matthew 22:36-40
Jesus said: ‘”A new commandment I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.”’ John 13: 34 – 35
Watch out for the remaining four dimensions next week!
