*Scripture explains that God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners who had no relationship with him (Romans 5:8).  The more we realize this wonderful truth, the more our love for God will grow.  The Bible recognizes that our love for God comes as a result of his loving us first (1 John 4:19).  These scripture passages explore some different aspects of the love we should have for God and for others.

1. •1.   God Should Be the Greatest Love our Lives.  Before we can fully love one another, however, we must fully love God and understand his love for us (see Deuteronomy 4:4-5).
   
2. •2.  Christ's Love Sets the Standard.  Our love for others should model Christ's love for us (see Ephesians 5:2).
   
3. •3.  Love Surpasses All Spiritual Gifts.  A Christian who understands what love truly means and shows love in his or her life is the greatest testimony to others (see 1 Corinthians 13:1-13).
   
4. •4.  Our Love for God Prepares Us for Service.  The depth of our love for God directly affects our ability to minister to others (see John 21:15-17).
   
5. •5.   Our Love for Others Mirrors the Condition of Our Heart.  The love we have for those around us is an indication of the strength of our Christian walk (see 1 John 2:9-11).
   
6. •6.  Our Love Should Grow.  The closer we grow to God, the more our love for others should increase (see 1 Thessalonians 3:12-13).                                                      

As your pastor at Bayview it is my prayer for us as God's people - his church, to continue embracing more and more our vision of Loving God More - Loving People More - Loving More People!  May we grow in living out the above truths together as ONE in unity.

I invite you and thank you for joining in this journey,

Pastor Greg

*notes from "New Believers Bible"