We exist to Express God’s Love

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another. (John 13:34-35 NKJV)

Our church exists to express God’s love. God’s love is agape, an unselfish, endless and boundless love that was demonstrated for us when Christ died for us while we were still sinners. (Romans 5:8) When we receive Christ into our hearts, the love of God is made manifest in us (1 John 4:9). For this reason, the love of God glows from the heart of a true disciple of Christ. Expressing love for one another is the evidence that marks us as Christians. Love is also commanded by the Lord. If we love God, then we are to love one another also. We are to love those for whom Christ died. Since Jesus died for the whole world (John 3:16) this means that Christians are not only to show Christ’s love to fellow believers, but also to those who do not yet know Christ as their Savior. It is our desire to demonstrate Christ’s selfless love to those all around us.

By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. (1 John 3:16-19 NKJV)