Love Is A Choice (From our 6-8-25 Worship)

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/0haa2bhbfH0Summary:Introduction & Audience EngagementThe sermon begins by asking the congregation to open their Bibles to 1 John 3 and mark it, hinting that they’ll revisit it throughout the lesson.The preacher sets up the theme with questions about the biggest, hardest, and easiest decisions in life, emphasizing the impact of our choices.Scripture Reading (1 John 3–5)The preacher reads a large section of 1 John 3–5, focusing on God’s love for us and the command for us to love one another.Key Verse:"See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are." (1 John 3:1, ESV)The reading highlights:The difference between the children of God and children of the devil.The call to love one another and not be like Cain.The victory that comes through faith in Jesus Christ.The repeated command: Love one another.Key Theme: Love Is a ChoiceThe preacher points out that the word "love" is repeated over and over in these chapters.Main Point: Love is a choice.God chose to love us, even at great cost—sending His Son to die for us (John 3:16).Our response should be to choose to love others.Supporting ScriptureJohn 3:16 (ESV):“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”Romans 8: Nothing can separate us from the love of God because God has chosen to love us.1 Corinthians 13 (selected, ESV):“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. … Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant … Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”Every description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is presented as a choice—to be patient, to be kind, to forgive, to hope.Application: Daily Choices and GrowthEvery day, every minute, and with every person, we have the choice to love.The highest form of love—agape love—acts for the good of others, even when it is hard or costly.God did not enjoy watching His Son suffer, but He chose love for our sake.We must choose love every day, regardless of our past decisions.Practical EncouragementNo matter your situation—struggling, at rock bottom, or thriving—you can start making the right choice now: choose love.The church family is present to love and support each other, though imperfectly.If you need help or support, choose to reach out, rather than suffering alone.The enemy wants to "divide and conquer," but unity in love gives us strength.Homework/ChallengeThe congregation is asked to meditate on 1 John 3–5 throughout the week.The core takeaway: Love is not just a feeling; it is a continual, deliberate choice we must make—just as God chose to love us.Summary Statement: God’s love is a deliberate, ongoing choice—He chose and continues to choose to love us. In turn, we are called to make the daily, intentional choice to love others, in word, in action, and from the heart.