PDL Lesson 16 What Matters Most... LOVE!

PDL Lesson 16 What Matters Most? …Love…!

No matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love. 1 Corinthians 13:3

My routine for studying these chapters is to first start with a prayer of thanks and a request for god to reveal His Truth to me today in my study, and show me how to apply the Truth to my life. Next, I read through the chapter once or twice, outlining or underlining passages that seem to jump out at me. Then I go through the chapter once more really slowly. Line by line, sentence by sentence. I try to look up the scripture reference for each foot noted item. Then I always finish with another word of prayer. That’s it. That’s my formula.

When I first read this chapter I knew I was going to really enjoy this study. This is the Love Chapter. I’m in Love. I’m in love with God. I’m in love with my wife. I’m in love with my life. Yet, I want to love better, more completely. I want to express my love in a way the entire world will notice.

Rick Warren makes several key statements in Chapter 16 of the Purpose Driven Life. He says Life is about love. God is Love and God wants us to learn how to love completely. This chapter explains that love should be our life’s top priority, primary ambition, and greatest ambition. 1 Corinthians 14:1 says ‘Let love be your greatest aim.’ Relationships must have top priority in your life. It’s relationships, not achievements, or the acquisition of things that are most important.

More Key thoughts from the importance of Love:

1. Busyness is the great enemy of relationships and love.
2. Love lasts forever. It is eternal.
3. God will judge us based on our relationships and how we loved others.
4. We show love by giving our time.
5. Don’t wait to show your love. Circumstances change and people die.

The Greatest Commandment: Matthew 22:37-40

Love the Lord Your God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength. And also love your neighbor as you love yourself. Jesus called this the greatest commandment. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to die for our sins so that we might be redeemed and share eternity with him. Would you die for somebody? That’s serious love.

Coach Sam’s Personal Study Notes:

I particularly identify with point number one that busyness is the enemy of relationships and love. I am constantly struggling with my busy schedule. And it definitely puts strain and stress on relationships, including our relationship with God. Busyness ties in with point number four. If we are too busy with worldly things we will not have time to spend on what should be the most important things: Loving God and others.

Point number five is the Biggie. Circumstances change and people die. I lost both of my parents before I was successful in leading them to Christ. I do not plan on missing another opportunity to minister to others.

Dear Heavenly Father. God, You are Love. Thank You for who and what you are. Thank You for creating us and saving us into your family. Lord, what ever I do today, I want to make sure that I love You and love others. I pray that my love somehow makes a difference in this world.

Show me Lord how to love you more completely. Help me with my time management issues. Help me help others. Lord, I love You. I love Your Word, The TRUTH. I give this day to You, Lord. I plan to Love, honor, and serve You all day. Thank You for loving me so much that You sent your son to die for me. I don’t deserve it, but I freely accept your gift of Salvation.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN.