Love One Another

John 13:31-35

Introduction

1.       A lot of things are easier to talk about than they are to do – Lk 6:46

2.       We will be judged by what we way and we will be judged by what we do

3.       1 Cor 13:13  

Discussion

1.       The importance of relationships

a.       We spend our lives connecting and disconnecting from people  

b.       King David’s relationships with:  Jonathan, Ittai, Hushai, Michal – 1 & 2 Samuel  

c.       Jesus’ relationship with 12; with Peter, James and John – Mark 3:13-15  

d.       Paul’s relationship with Barnabas in Jerusalem after he fled from Damascus – Acts 9:26-27  

e.       John 11:35  

f.        Acts 20:36-38  

2.       The fragileness of relationships

a.       2 Tim 4:9-16 – contrasted with Romans 16:1-16  

b.       The dispute between Paul and Barnabas – Acts 15:36-40  

c.       The “dos and don’ts” of relationships – Eph 4:31 -32  

d.       Luke 17:3-4  

e.       Peter’s denial and Jesus renewal of the relationship – Luke 22:60-62  

3.       The place of love in building and maintaining relationships

a.       John 13:34-35  

b.       1 Cor 13:1-8  

c.       1 John 4:15-21  

Conclusion

1.       The story told of John, carried about as an elderly man, “Little children, love one another.”

2.       John 3:16

3.       We ought to love God first, but we cannot love God without loving His people