Shema - Love
Message Notes:
Message Theme: The power and importance of love. Love is the most beautiful motivator, and it is healthiest.
There are other ways that we are motivated:
•Guilt
•Fear
•Self-interest
•And it is not to say that the above are all-wrong or even always wrong. There is a place (at proper times) for each of the above.
•Byron’s point is to emphasize that love-driven motivation is more effective and healthier.
As mentioned last week: when Jesus was asked about the “most important commandment” he quoted the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 6:4-5 and Leviticus 19:18. He quoted the “Shema” and emphasized “Love” as the best engine to drive our lives.
The Hebrew word, translated “love” in English, is the word “ahavah.” It is a multi-dimensional word that is used several ways in the old testament.
•Marital affection (Esther 2:17)
•Parental love (Genesis 22:2)
•Friendship love (2 Samuel 19:6)
•“Political” love (1 Samuel 18:16)
•God’s love for us (Deut. 7:7-8)
•It is everlasting (Jeremiah 31:3)
•It is more than a feeling, but involves action (Deut. 4:3)
•Can describe our love for God (Deut. 6:4)
Byron shares two examples of love’s value, in real life:
•Richard Wurmbrand
•Doug Weland
Question: “Does the love of Jesus abide in you?”
Discussion Questions:
Byron stated up front that “love” is the “most beautiful and healthiest” form of motivation.
•What do you think about that?
•Is there ever a time when that is not true?
He also talked about “guilt, fear and self-interest” as alternate forms of motivation for people.
•What are some examples of when each would be appropriate?
•What would happen to a person if guilt, fear or self-interest became one’s dominate motivation?
Take some time to think about:
•What does “loving God” mean and look like?
•What are you doing to build a loving relationship with God? What is your best practice? In what aspects do you need to improve?
•When is it easiest to love?
•When is it hardest for you to love?
•Who is the most difficult person for you to love?