Intentional Love
“Expressing Love”

Love
To intentionally will someone (everyone) good
1 Timothy 1:5

Our 2016 resolution
To be a church of people who will be intentional and ruthless about love!

1 Corinthians 13
Everything – love = nothing

Do we know how to speak love?
How do people around me hear love?

People speak and hear love by…
	Words of affirmation
	Quality time together
	Acts of service 
	Receiving gifts 
	Physical touch

Expressing Love
John 13:1-17

Acts of service, carried out in love and humility, are what moves the Kingdom of God forward.

Matthew 5:13 

Acts of loving service are how we return God’s love. 
We show that we are Jesus’ disciples, when we serve others. 
Acts of loving service are how we draw people to the faith. 
We bring glory, or majestic attention, to God, when we serve others. 
Acts of loving service shape us in the image of the Servant Savior - Jesus.

Who are the people that you should be serving?

Those next to us - family 
Those near to us - friends 
Those far from us - apart from God

Galatians 6:10 

How can we serve those around us?
Any active expression of kindness or sacrifice or affection that you intentionally extend to someone around you.

Meaningful acts of service can happen best when we really listen, really hear those around us, what they feel, what they need, what they dream.

Loving those around us and far from us through acts of service can only happen well if we are being transformed on the inside into the likeness of Christ.

God, help me see people the way you see them.

God, help me to listen to people and hear not only their words, but their hearts.

Healthy disciples are listeners more than talkers:
• They accept your words, thoughts, and attitudes without needing to correct you or criticize you. 
• They create a safe environment for you to speak by maintaining your confidence. 
• They show you the courtesy of simply listening, praying, and offering counsel when it’s invited.

God, help me to humble myself as I serve people whom you love.
	Vanity
	Stubbornness 
	Exclusion

“A holy life is made up of small things of the hour, not great things of the ages.” 

In essence, living a lifestyle, or a rhythm of loving acts of service, is a process of self-emptying— letting go of our own needs and agendas and embracing the concerns of those around us in order to love them.