Off The Charts - Week 1
Week 1 Recap:
Measuring the Love of God
Introduction: As we step into 2025, many of us are thinking about change—about becoming better versions of ourselves. But beyond self-improvement, as followers of Christ, our greatest goal is to become more like Jesus. This journey starts with understanding the depth of God’s love, a love that is truly off the charts. This series invites us to measure and reflect on the vastness of His love and what it means for our lives.
The Source of Love: The foundation of our understanding of love comes from 1 John 4:19: “We love because He first loved us.” Love is not a human invention; it is a divine gift. John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, spent his life learning and teaching about God’s love. He recognized that love exists because God is love. This is not just a character trait of God—it is His very nature.
Our world often tries to define love through morality, culture, or personal desires, but Scripture tells us that love originates from God Himself. Without Him, our understanding of love is incomplete.
Measuring God’s Love: How do we measure something as vast as God’s love? Paul offers us a framework in Ephesians 3:17-19, where he prays that believers will grasp “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ.”
We often measure love in human terms—through sacrifice, faithfulness, or passion. Likewise, God’s love is best understood through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Just as relationships require commitment and selflessness, God demonstrated His immeasurable love by giving us His Son. His love surpasses knowledge, and yet, through Christ, we can experience it fully.
The Depth of Sacrificial Love: At the core of love is sacrifice. Ephesians 5:1-2 instructs us to “be imitators of God, as dearly loved children, and walk in love, as Christ also loved us and gave himself for us.”
Jesus’ death on the cross is the ultimate act of sacrificial love. He endured suffering, ridicule, and pain so that we could be reconciled to God. Just as a parent sacrifices for their child or a friend gives selflessly, God’s love is marked by a sacrifice that goes beyond human comprehension.
Walking in Love: We all choose how we walk through life. Some walk in bitterness, selfishness, or power, shaped by past wounds or personal ambitions. But Paul urges us to walk in love—to live in a way that reflects Christ’s sacrifice.
Walking in love means prioritizing others, forgiving freely, and serving with humility. It’s not about fulfilling religious obligations but about allowing the fullness of God’s love to transform our hearts and actions. When we focus on Jesus, our lives begin to reflect His love in ways that impact those around us.
A Love That Calls Us to Action: Love is not passive—it moves us to action. As a church, we have seen this through ministries like Operation Christmas Child, where selfless individuals have dedicated their time and resources to bless children in need. Their sacrifices mirrored the love of Christ, bringing joy and, more importantly, the gospel message to young hearts around the world.
God calls each of us to step into His love and extend it to others. Whether through ministry, service, or everyday interactions, we have the opportunity to share a love that is truly off the charts.
Conclusion: The love of God is immeasurable, yet it is deeply personal. It reaches into our brokenness, calls us to sacrifice, and transforms us into people who walk in love. As we reflect on His love, let’s choose to imitate Christ, to be rooted in His love, and to share it boldly with the world.
This week, take time to meditate on Ephesians 3:17-19. Pray that you may fully grasp the depth of His love, and let it move you to love others more deeply. Because when we focus on Jesus, we not only experience His love—we become a reflection of it.
