Message Musings: Love that Overflows

The following article is based upon Pastor Tony's message "Love that Overflows" preached on July 5th, 2020

John 13:35 - By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

Love is the defining mark of a follower of Jesus Christ. In the Bible, we find that love is central to the Gospel message. Love should also be central to our lives.

So, what kind of love are we meant to have? What does love look like for the Christian? In Philippians, we find an abounding love.

Abound - To have or possess in great quantity. To be in great plenty; to be very prevalent.

Imagine a cup that is being filled with water until it overflows. There's so much water coming in, that it can only spill out. Overflowing love is God's intention for the Christian's life.

Philippians 1:9–11

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; 10 That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; 11 Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

The Priority of Love

Love is at the top of God's list! Because of God's love, we have the opportunity to be saved.

Love is:

• Taught in the Bible
• Produced by the Holy Spirit
• The mark of a disciple

Without love, even good deeds amount to nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:1–3

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

The Purpose of Love

Love is the test for the Christian life. It separates the mature from the immature. Love for God and love for others is the foundation for spiritual excellence.

In Bible times, some merchants would sell flawed pottery. Cracks and other imperfections were filled with wax to give the appearance of a flawless container. However, when held up to sunlight, sections covered with wax would be darker than other areas.

Those who sold only genuine pottery displayed a sign "sine cera," meaning "without wax." This Latin phrase became our word "sincere."

Love is the mark of sincerity.

The Pleasure of Love

A life filled with love yields good fruit.

Philippians 1:11 - Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

Great joy is found in following Jesus Christ. So many are hesitant to go all-in with Jesus. By holding back from loving God and loving others, they miss out on the joy and fruitfulness that comes from love.