Loveology

Love = Jesus on the cross.

Redefinition of love. The Bible presents love as more than just emotion or attraction. It's a commitment to give oneself for another's good, exemplified by Jesus' sacrificial death. This love involves both feelings and actions.

Components of biblical love:

• Ahava: A Hebrew concept of love that is strong, resolute, and committed

• Rayah: Companionship and friendship

• Dod: Romantic and sexual attraction

True love integrates all these aspects, creating a bond that is both passionate and enduring, capable of withstanding life's challenges.

The point of marriage isn't marriage, especially in light of the time in which we live.

God's purposes for marriage. Marriage isn't just about personal happiness or fulfillment. It's designed to serve greater purposes:

1. Friendship: Deep companionship and intimacy

2. Partnership: Working together in life's calling or "gardening project"

3. Sexuality: Exclusive sexual union and pleasure

4. Family: Potential for procreation and raising children

5. Mutual growth: Helping each other become more like Christ

Beyond personal fulfillment. A healthy marriage is built around a shared sense of purpose and mission, not just romantic feelings. It's about two people partnering to serve God and others, while growing individually and as a couple.

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good.

Positive view of sexuality. The Bible presents sex as a good gift from God, created for pleasure and intimacy within marriage. It's not dirty or shameful, but a beautiful expression of love and unity.

Biblical guidelines for sexuality:

• Exclusive to marriage between a man and woman

• Mutual giving and receiving of pleasure

• Free from exploitation or selfishness

• Involves the whole person - physical, emotional, and spiritual

Cultural distortions. Our culture often reduces sex to mere physical pleasure or uses it as a commodity. The biblical view elevates sex as a profound, multi-dimensional experience of intimacy and bonding.

If you put your faith in your spouse to make you happy, it's only a matter of time until they let you down.

Benefits of sexual purity. Waiting for sex until marriage isn't about repression, but about building a foundation of trust and commitment. It allows couples to develop emotional and spiritual intimacy without the complications of premature physical intimacy.

Practical advice for waiting:

• Set clear physical boundaries early in the relationship

• Avoid situations that lead to temptation

• Focus on building friendship and shared interests

• Discuss your values and expectations about sex openly

Waiting also helps couples develop self-control and communication skills essential for a lasting marriage. It ensures that the relationship is built on more than just physical attraction.

We are both made in the image of God.

Equality and distinctiveness. The Bible teaches that men and women are equal in value and dignity, yet created with unique strengths and roles. This isn't about superiority or inferiority, but about complementary partnership.

Biblical perspective on gender roles:

• Both genders fully reflect God's image

• Equal in worth, different in function

• Men called to servant leadership

• Women called to respected partnership

These roles are flexible and culturally influenced, not rigid stereotypes. The goal is mutual submission and service, modeling Christ's love for the church.

To Paul, the point of singleness isn't freedom from responsibility. It's freedom for more responsibility.

Value of singleness. While marriage is good, singleness is also presented as a valuable state in the Bible. It allows for undivided devotion to God and His purposes.

Advantages of singleness:

• More time and energy for ministry and service

• Freedom for risky or demanding callings

• Opportunity for diverse and deep friendships

• Undistracted spiritual growth

Singleness isn't a "waiting period" but a valid lifestyle choice. The church should honor and support singles, recognizing their unique contributions to the community.

No damage is irreparable. The healing Spirit of Jesus can do wonders, literally.

Hope for restoration. Whether someone has experienced sexual abuse, struggled with addiction, or made choices they regret, the gospel offers hope for healing and renewal.

Steps toward sexual healing:

1. Acknowledge the pain and damage

2. Confess sin and receive God's forgiveness

3. Seek professional help if needed

4. Build healthy community and accountability

5. Renew the mind with biblical truth about sexuality

6. Practice patience in the healing process

God's grace is powerful enough to redeem any sexual past and create a healthy future.

We live in what is, hands down, the most hyperindividualistic society in the world, but there is no way to date well in isolation.

Importance of community. Romantic relationships shouldn't exist in a bubble. They need the wisdom, support, and accountability of a wider community.

Role of community in relationships:

• Provide objective perspective and advice

• Offer accountability and support

• Help discern compatibility and readiness for marriage

• Celebrate and strengthen the relationship

Shared faith. A common commitment to Christ provides a foundation for shared values, purpose, and conflict resolution in a relationship. It aligns the couple's goals and priorities.

Freedom, at least in Jesus' mind, is the ability to do whatever you should.

Redefining freedom. Our culture often equates freedom with unrestricted choice. The biblical view sees true freedom as living according to God's design, which leads to flourishing.

Contrasting views of freedom:

• Cultural: Do whatever you want

• Biblical: Do what you were created for

Following God's design for love, sex, and relationships isn't restrictive, but liberating. It protects us from the pain of broken relationships and allows us to experience love as it was meant to be.