Growing In Love

by Pastor Mark
September 10, 2026

The abundant love of God

As we begin Bethany’s 54th year of ministry, let us consider how much God loves us. His love for us is far beyond what we can fully comprehend. It is profound. His love is seen in the salvation He has given us, “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us” (Ephesians 2:4). He has loved us with His great love…a love that nothing else can compare with. God’s love is something to truly behold, “Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” (1 John 3:1). This is our privilege as children of God to be given such love. God’s love is wonderfully amazing, truly abundant and marvellously enriching. As His love fills our hearts and overflows, we can share this love in different ways.

Expressing our love

1. Love for God (Deuteronomy 6:4)

“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one! You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”

  1. Moses taught the Shema to the people of Israel.
  2. The Lord is the one and only true God…there is no other.
  3. Our love must be directed solely to Him.
  4. We ought to love God with all our heart…a love that is sincere and wholehearted.
  5. It is to love Him with our soul…a love that is deep and spiritual.
  6. Let us love with all our strength…a love that is resilient and lasting.
  7. As God has loved us so much, let us respond with a strong love for Him as we ought to.

2. Love for the house of the Lord (Psalm 84:1)

“How lovely is Your tabernacle, O Lord of hosts!”

  1. David set a wonderful example of loving the house of the Lord.
  2. He regarded the house of the Lord as most lovely.
  3. David’s soul longed deeply for His house.
  4. He even felt faint because of this deep desire.
  5. But more than a longing for His house, David sought the living God (Psalm 84:2).
  6. Let us be challenged by his example to cultivate a deep love and longing for the house of the Lord.

3. Love for one another (1 John 4:7)

“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”

  1. John was known as the Apostle of love.
  2. He understood what it meant to be loved by God…by the Lord Jesus.
  3. His challenge to all was to learn to love one another as we have been loved by God.
  4. May we be encouraged to love one another in Bethany more deeply.
  5. From the young to the old, let this love continue to abound to all.

4. Love for our overseas brethren

The challenge is also to extend our love to our overseas brethren. Across all our churches, many needs remain. Bethany is the mother church of all and they depend on us to provide the support they need. From daily essentials to building projects, Bethany continues to do its part to meet their needs. As God has shown us so much love, let us press on to do our part to love, care for and support our brethren, both locally and our overseas churches.

Back to Article Listing

More Articles

View more