The word love, in its primary biblical root form, is a verb before it is a noun.
Love is first something that we do, before it is something that we feel.
Love is first something that we do, before it is something that we feel.
Scripture Orientation: Mark 12:28-31
28 One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well he asked him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 Jesus answered, “The first is, ‘Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; 30 you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ 31 The second is this, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”
Theological Perspective: It’s More Than a Feeling
In the Wesleyan tradition, we believe it is important to translate faith into loving action. Faith without works is dead. We view the Christian life as a dynamic journey rooted in a faith that works by love, leading to holiness of heart and life—active love of God and neighbor.
Homiletical Perspective:
Three important points:
- God defines the true meaning of love in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. By looking at the way Jesus treats people, especially the outcast and vulnerable, we see love in action.
- This means that love is not merely a feeling inspired by Jesus or a concept in the teachings of Jesus but an active way of life modeled and made possible by Jesus. We can love others because God continuously loves us in Christ and empowers us for a life of love in the Holy Spirit as we follow Christ.
- Love includes acts of compassion and acts of justice, both of which are intended to manifest the love of God in the world.
So what?
When introducing the sermon, you might raise the question: What happens to love in real life when it’s disconnected from action? This will illuminate the importance of connecting love to action in our most important relationships.
When introducing the sermon, you might raise the question: What happens to love in real life when it’s disconnected from action? This will illuminate the importance of connecting love to action in our most important relationships.
Downloadable Resources
Wesley Resources
- John Wesley sermon: On Love (139)
- Prayer and Charles Wesley hymn - Click here to download.
Sermon
Worship and Liturgical Resources
Click here to download traditional and contemporary music suggestions, prayers and liturgies.
Reflection Questions and Spiritual Practices
Click here for reflection questions suitable for individual or small group study, along with suggested exercises for the week.
Small Group Guide - Each guide contains a short introduction to the series/guide, a sample lesson plan and prayers for each week.
Small Group Guide in Spanish.
Bulletin inserts/handouts with discussion questions and scripture readings - courtesy of Centreville UMC, Centreville, MI
Family Resources
Big Hearts, Bright Love: The Wesleyan Adventure of Growing in God's Love tells the story of Sam, Chaz, Suzi, Juan and Wes as they go on an adventure to learn of God's love. The book includes a Family Discussion guide with questions, prayers, challenges and devotions. Created by: Rev Madeline Luzinski (Family Discussion Guide), Rev. Dr. Latricia Scriven (children's story) and Rev. Dr. Hedy Collver (illustrations & design).
Click here to download the "Love Actively" section.
Click here to download the "Love Actively" section.
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Order your copy and support children in need across Florida.To order a copy of Big Hearts, Bright Love, click here. Net proceeds from the sale of each book will benefit Residing Hope (formerly the Florida United Methodist Children's Home).
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Bumper Videos
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Love Actively Sermon Bumper - 0:38 seconds
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Love Actively Sermon Bumper with SUBTITLES - 0:38 seconds
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Slide Template
Promotional Graphics
Social Media Story Bundle (5 graphics)
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Instagram Post Bundle (7 graphics)
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