Calvary Distinctive: Embracing the Supremacy of Love in Our Daily Lives

Good morning, dear friends and Calvary Life family. I am truly honored to be here with you today, sharing what my heart has been yearning to communicate for quite some time. Have you ever thought about the uniqueness of love and how it shapes our lives? As I reflect on the formation of 242 Fellowship, inspired by Acts 2:42, where the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, I am reminded of the importance of love—the genuine, sacrificial love that God calls us to exhibit.

"God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."

What exactly sets Calvary Chapel apart from other evangelical churches? Well, it’s the distinctive calling to balance solid biblical teaching with the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. But above all else, it is the supremacy of love that lies at the heart of what we do.

In an attempt to define love, we find it to be a word so often overused that its true meaning has become diluted. But the truth remains evident in 1 John 4:8—God is love. In essence, love is not merely an emotion or an experience; it is the very nature of God himself. We see the greatest expression of this love in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."

In John 13:34-35, Jesus says, "A new commandment I give you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." We're not recognized by our doctrine, style, or gifts, but by our love for each other.

True love goes beyond occasional acts of kindness; it requires a deep commitment to love God fully and serve one another. It's easy to declare love, but living it, quite frankly, is where the challenge lies.

Jesus emphasized love as the command above all. This isn't an optional extra for Christians; it's the command that distinguishes us and calls us to embodied action. As it is written, John 14:21 says, "He who has my commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and manifest Myself to him."

Practical love fosters genuine community and touches lives, and it's this divine love that breaks barriers and draws us closer to Him.

1 Corinthians 13 provides a detailed blueprint of what love looks like—a love that is patient and kind, without envy or pride. This chapter isn't just poetic; it's a guideline for living out God's perfect love in a fractured world.

Jesus' teachings were not empty words. As demonstrated in the book of Matthew 22:37-40, the two greatest commandments focus on love: "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and mind," and "You shall love your neighbor as yourself."

Living in Brooklyn, NYC, we are immersed in a bustling city teeming with diversity and complexity. Imagine the transformative impact if we expressed genuine love in our communities. As we share our lives and stories with our neighbors, let us be guided by unconditional love—a love that is patient, forgiving, and celebrates the good in others.

Love is a choice we’re called to make every single day. Being courteous to fellow commuters, showing patience amidst the chaos, and providing aid without expecting anything in return are all ways we can actively live out the supremacy of love.

As we conclude, I encourage you to take a moment to introspect and assess how you can reflect God's love in your life today. Let us pray together, asking God to fill us with His love and to remove any hindrance that stops us from knowing that love deeply.

"Father, thank you for your word. We long to know and express your love. Show us how to reflect your divine love in our hearts and actions. May we live as true disciples, loving as You love, in our homes, communities, and beyond. Amen."

True Christian love, or "agape" love, is unconditional and selfless. It's about placing others before yourself and mirroring the love Christ showed to us.

Love is essential because it embodies the very nature of God. It is the greatest commandment and the distinguishing mark of Jesus' followers.

Begin with simple acts of kindness and patience. Be open-hearted, listen to others' stories, and reach out to those in need, allowing the Spirit of God to guide you.

 Engage in prayer and surround yourself with a supportive faith community to help you focus on His promises.