In this message, Pastor Carl explores the transformative nature of God’s agape love as commanded in John 13:34-35: “love one another, just as I have loved you.” He contrasts this divine love with other forms of love in Scripture—storge (familial love), eros (romantic love), and philia (brotherly love)—emphasizing that agape is God’s selfless, unconditional love, distinct from these human forms of affection.
Pastor Carl underscores the power of sharing faith, explaining that “when you share your faith, you participate in God’s mission, inviting others into His story of redemption.” Sharing faith is an act of love that plants seeds of eternal significance, and, as he notes, “when you share your faith, you offer others the light that leads them out of darkness.” He reminds the congregation that the Holy Spirit empowers believers, saying, “when you share your faith, Holy Spirit speaks through you,” and each testimony not only impacts others but keeps the truth of God’s work alive in the believer’s own heart.
As you reflect on this message this week, consider the following:
- In what ways does sharing your faith deepen your own understanding of God’s love?
- How does viewing love through the lens of agape—unconditional and selfless—challenge or inspire your relationships with others?
- Reflect on a time when God’s love empowered you to act or speak beyond what you thought possible. How did that experience shape your faith?