What Love Requires

If you ever felt guiltier about missing church than mistreating someone at work...

If you've ever sat around trying to figure out how close you could get to sin without actually sinning...

If you believe there's some ritual that makes you right with God and removes your responsibility to make restitution to someone you've harmed...

The Temple Model - you centered

Temple thinking always gravitates toward rules and rituals.

What exactly must I do to make things right and keep things right between God and me?

The Jesus model is centered on you, beside you.

This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. John 15:12 NLT

Do you know why you should...
*tell the truth?
*be generous?

Do you know why you shouldn't...
*talk badly about someone
*pressure your girlfriend sexually

The New Testament Imperatives are examples of how to demonstrate your love for God by loving others.

The Jesus model is less complicated, but it is far more demanding.

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:5 NIV

But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate. Luke 6:27,36 NLT

What does love require of me?

Matthew 25:31-40 (see screen)

Your devotion to God is illustrated, demonstrated and authenticated by your love for others.

Whatever you do, for one of them, it's like you're doing it for me.