WHO STANDS WITH YOU?

This sermon series on milestones invites us to reflect on our lives—the lighthearted, funny, meaningful, and even difficult moments. These moments reveal what God has been up to in our lives. One challenge I was given by a mentor was to reflect on who stood with me in my milestone moments. Who has walked through fire with you? Who has celebrated with you? Who has mourned with you?

Genesis 2:18 tells us that it was not good for man to be alone. We were designed for community. Acts 17:26 reminds us that God has determined the exact times and places for us to live so that we might help others find their way back to Him. We are not meant to do this life alone.

WHAT IS LOVE?

The concept of “first love” is significant because God designed us to love and to be loved. But what do we mean when we say “love”? The world often says, “Love is love,” but that is a simplistic catchphrase because love has many meanings. Consider these examples:

• “I love pizza.”
• “I love the Panthers.”
• “I love running.”
• “I love my spouse, my kids, Waypoint, and the Lord.”

Each of these statements reflects a different type of love. The Greek language gives us four different words for love:

1. Eros – Transactional love that is based on what we get out of it.
2. Charity (Pity Love) – A one-way relationship where the helper feels superior.
3. Philia (Friendship Love) – Love based on shared interests and companionship.
4. Agape – Sacrificial, selfless love, exemplified by Christ’s love on the cross.

Agape love is the love God has for us. John Stott describes agape as “the sacrifice of self in the service of others.” This is the love God has lavished upon us, not because we deserve it, but because of His nature.

GOD’S LOVE FOR US

1 John 4:7-12 teaches us that love comes from God. We are loved not because of what we have done, but because God first loved us. His love enables us to love others. If we love one another, God’s love is made complete in us.

Since God has poured out His love upon us, we are called to love others. Jesus summarized the entire Old Testament law into two commands: Love God and love others as yourself (Mark 12:30-31). But embedded within this command is the truth that we must also love ourselves.

Many of us struggle with this. We think we are unworthy, unlovable. But God knows everything about you, and He still loves you. You are His beloved.

1 John 3:1 declares, “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”

HEARTBREAK AND HOPE

First love often brings memories of joy, but also of heartbreak. Our world is broken. Paul Miller writes, “If you don’t lament over the broken things in this world, then your heart shuts down. Your relationship with God dies a slow death.” We must be honest about our heartbreak and allow it to lead us back to God.

So what breaks your heart? Is it suffering, injustice, loneliness? We should ask God to break our hearts for what breaks His. My own journey led me to discover that the people of this church, this community, are who break my heart. You have everything at your disposal, yet without the Lord, you have nothing.

Jesus said, “What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?” (Matthew 16:26). My desire is for you to know that you are deeply loved by God—not because of your achievements, but simply because He chose you.

So what breaks your heart?

COORDINATES

Do you truly know in your heart that God loves you? Not just in your head, but in your bones, in your soul? If you do, then the next question is: Who breaks your heart? Who has God placed in your life for you to love with His agape love?

As you go forward this week, I challenge you to read through 1 John and highlight every instance of the word “love.” Let it be a reminder of the depth of God’s love for you and the call to love others in return.

Thanks be to God. Amen.