Lovesick Romantics

FEB 12  / Sunday | Series: God Could Use Someone Like You – Read Song of Songs 4:1-7 and 5:2a, 4-6, 8

Overview: How might your love of something as simple as valentines, poetry or Hallmark movies be used by God to express his love for others?

13 / Mon – Love is in the air  |  Read Rom 5:8 / 1 John 4:9-11, 19 / Eph 3:16-19

Valentine’s Day is the most romantic holiday of the year. Consumer reports estimate 6 million proposals will be made on that day. Where does all this love come from? John states God is the author. Paul reminds us God loved us when we were unlovable and demonstrated it with action. You may have heard someone say being with you makes me want to be a better person. That is what God loving you can do. The ability to love others is directly proportional to your knowledge of how greatly you are loved. Do you feel you are lacking today? Personalize this prayer in Ephesians.

14 / Tue – A great love story  |  Read Gen 29:1-30 / Rom 8:28

Have you read this Old Testament love story? Talk about romance! Boy helps girl, girl brings boy home to meet parents, dad offers job to boy. The only wage boy wants is to marry the girl. This love story did not run smoothly. What trickery on dad’s part nearly destroyed their happiness? How was it resolved? Looking back, we can see how God used Jacob, Rachel and Leah to accomplish his plan to build a holy nation. Do you have a complicated love story? How has God used it for good?

15 / Wed – Outstanding abilities  |  Read 1 Cor 13:1-3, 8

As you read this impressive list of ministry gifts, are there any you wish you had been given? Maybe you’ve heard eloquent speakers or met people with incredible knowledge of spiritual things or you know someone whose great faith you wish you had. What is the contrast here between these gifts and the ability to love? What truth is the Holy Spirit speaking to your own heart?

16 / Thu – Love does, but love also does not  |  Read 1 Cor 13:4-8a

Take a few minutes to make a list. On one side, write what love does. On the other side, write what love does not do. Then compare. What insights do you gain? Now think about some of your closest relationships. Ask yourself… which of these describe the way I treat those I love? What things should I start doing? Which things should I eliminate? Now expand the circle. Who else is God calling you to interact with in truly loving ways? It may be difficult but you can ask the Author of love for help.

17 / Fri – Sacrificial love  |  Read John 15:13 / Phil 2:5-8

Real love often requires sacrifice. Jesus is the supreme example. And not just with his physical death. What other sacrifices did he make while living as a human man on this earth? What are some sacrifices you have made for those you love? When have you set aside your own desires, plans or preferences to serve them? Did you feel you were making a big sacrifice at the time? Did your perspective change as your love grew? Who is God calling you to sacrifice for right now?

18 / Sat – A worthy reputation  |  Read John 13:35

Being called a Christian in this culture is not particularly a positive thing. Caricatures abound in media and entertainment. Christians are given many uncomplimentary labels because high profile Christian leaders have so publically failed. Yes, we should be known for our great faith or for being generous or being a positive influence in the world but what does Jesus say is the most important quality to be known for? Reread 1 Cor. 13 for specific ways to walk this out and ask the Holy Spirit to teach you how to be faithful.