In this sermon, we are invited to rediscover the heart of Christian love through the words of John 13, 2 Corinthians 5, and Romans 12. Prem reminds us that Jesus gave His command to “love one another as I have loved you” only after Judas had left the room—because true Christian love begins with recognizing Jesus as Lord, not merely as teacher. To love like Christ, we must first surrender to His lordship and allow His love to transform how we live, speak, and relate to others.
Through vivid stories, we are shown that Christ’s love is not abstract—it is observable. Love must be expressed in real action, seen in care, compassion, and community. Like 1 John 3:18 declares, love must go beyond words to be “in deed and in truth.” Yet, love is also marked by restraint—choosing peace over retaliation. Using the image of an eagle soaring above the crows that attack it, Prem illustrates how love sometimes means rising above the noise rather than fighting back.
The sermon continues with a focus on community-shaping love—love that contributes, builds, and empathizes. When believers share their resources, open their homes, and carry each other’s burdens, they embody the love of Christ described in Galatians 6 verse 2. Prem highlights how generosity, fellowship meals, and small acts of service are not just niceties but reflections of divine love in action.
Finally, the sermon culminates in the theme of reconciliation. Forgiveness is divine, but reconciliation is our human calling. Prem shares a powerful story of a king who took the punishment meant for his daughter, portraying Christ’s sacrifice on the cross. When Jesus said “It is finished,” it was not sin that ended, but our punishment. Love bore the lashes, so that mercy could prevail.
Key Takeaways:
- Christ’s love is visible—it acts, gives, and restores.
- Love sometimes means restraint—choosing peace over pride.
- True Christian love builds community, not isolation.
- Compassion and contribution are acts of obedience, not optional gestures.
- Reconciliation goes deeper than forgiveness—it rebuilds what was broken.
- On the cross, Jesus bore the punishment we deserved—this is the model of perfect love.
Reflection: Are you loving others as Christ has loved you—with action, with restraint, and with reconciliation?
