True biblical love requires us to speak the truth to one another, even when it is difficult or uncomfortable. This is not about being harsh or judgmental, but about caring enough to help each other grow into the fullness of what God has for us. When we avoid speaking the truth, we risk enabling others to remain in sin, but when we combine truth with love, we help each other walk in freedom and purpose. As followers of Jesus, we are called to gently and lovingly address sin and encourage righteousness, always remembering that love and truth must go hand in hand. [01:12:45]
Ephesians 4:15 (ESV)
"Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear a loving truth from you? How can you approach them with both honesty and compassion this week?
God’s love for us is not based on fleeting feelings or emotions, but on a covenant relationship that He initiated and sealed through Jesus Christ. This covenant is steadfast and eternal, offering us the security of being God’s children when we accept Christ. However, this relationship also calls us to remain within the covenant by living according to God’s ways, and when we stray, to return through repentance. God’s faithfulness never fails, but we are invited to actively participate in this relationship, loving Him in return and honoring the stipulations of the covenant. [01:24:56]
Genesis 15:5-6, 17-18 (ESV)
"And he brought him outside and said, 'Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.' Then he said to him, 'So shall your offspring be.' And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness... When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, 'To your offspring I give this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you been living outside of God’s covenant, and what step of repentance can you take today to return to deeper relationship with Him?
The biblical understanding of love is rooted in action, not merely emotion. God’s love for us was demonstrated through concrete acts—He gave His Son, Jesus died on the cross, and He rose again. Likewise, our love for God and others should be visible in our actions, not just in words or feelings. Love is a verb, and we are called to actively pursue the good of others, serve, forgive, and sacrifice, just as God has done for us. [01:27:38]
1 John 3:18 (ESV)
"Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: What is one specific action you can take today to show God’s love to someone in your life, even if you don’t “feel” like it?
Many believers neglect reading the Bible, relying instead on secondhand teachings or popular messages, which can lead to misunderstandings about God and His love. God’s Word is our foundation and guide, and we are called to be diligent in reading, studying, and applying it to our lives. By immersing ourselves in Scripture, we guard against error, grow in discernment, and deepen our relationship with God, allowing His truth to shape our motives and actions. [01:05:11]
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Reflection: How can you set aside intentional time this week to read and reflect on God’s Word, and what changes might you need to make to prioritize this in your daily routine?
Love without truth becomes soft and permissive, while truth without love becomes harsh and unyielding. God calls us to hold both together, just as Jesus embodied grace and truth. In a world where the lines between good and evil are often blurred, we are called to stand firm in truth, but always with a heart of love. This balance is essential for healthy relationships, spiritual growth, and effective witness, as we seek to honor God and build up His people. [01:10:39]
John 1:14 (ESV)
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth."
Reflection: Where in your life do you tend to emphasize love at the expense of truth, or truth at the expense of love? What would it look like to bring these into balance in your conversations and relationships this week?
Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness and the beauty of community. We rejoiced in seeing so many faces, both familiar and new, and gave thanks for the many ways God is moving among us. We honored those who serve tirelessly behind the scenes, especially our connect group leaders, who are the living pillars of our church family. Their commitment to love, prayer, and shepherding is a vital part of our spiritual growth and discipleship journey. We also reflected on the importance of being connected—not just in large gatherings, but in smaller groups where real relationships and spiritual growth can flourish.
A central focus was the biblical understanding of love. It’s easy to be influenced by the world’s definition of love as mere feeling or unconditional acceptance, but Scripture calls us to something deeper. God’s love is covenantal—rooted in His promises and faithfulness, not in fleeting emotions. This covenantal love is active, sacrificial, and always intertwined with truth. We are reminded that love without truth becomes soft and permissive, while truth without love becomes harsh and unyielding. The call is to hold both together, speaking the truth in love, even when it’s uncomfortable, so that we can help one another walk in the fullness of God’s purpose.
We explored the story of Abraham and God’s covenant, seeing how God alone walked through the pieces, signifying His unbreakable commitment. Our relationship with God is not based on our perfection, but on His faithfulness. Yet, covenant comes with stipulations—our response is to remain within the relationship, to repent when we stray, and to actively love God in return. Love, in the biblical sense, is not just a feeling but an action—a daily choice to pursue God, to serve others, and to walk in obedience.
Finally, we invited those who have not yet entered into this covenant relationship with Jesus to do so, knowing that God’s love is always reaching out, ready to welcome us as His children. As we closed, we worshipped together, asking God to make our hearts clean and to teach us to love as He loves.
1. Ephesians 4:15 (ESV) — > “Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.”
2. Genesis 15:1-21 (ESV) [selected verses] — > “And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness. … As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. … When the sun had gone down and it was dark, behold, a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch passed between these pieces. On that day the Lord made a covenant with Abram…”
3. John 1:12 (ESV) — > “But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.”
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