Love Anyway

Sunday, August 16, 2026

SERMON SERIES: The Gospel of John: What Does He Really Offer?

Today’s Sermon: Love Anyway

Sermon Text: John 13:18–38

Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026

Congregational Reading
John 13:34–35, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Question of the Day: How do you love people when they disappoint you?
Bottom Line: We don’t love people according to who they are. We love them according to who Jesus is.

Love sees people clearly without becoming cynical. (John 13:18–30)
Application Question: Where has my disappointment in people turned into cynicism?

2. Jesus sets the standard for how we love. (John 13:31–35)
Application Question: Am I loving people according to how they treat me, or according to how Jesus has treated me?

3. Love tells the truth without giving up on people. (John 13:36–38)
Application Question: Who have I reduced to the worst thing they’ve ever done?

Benediction/Blessing:
May the Lord Jesus Christ, who loved the betrayer, restored the denier, and laid down His life for His friends, teach you to love with the same love you have received from Him.
May God the Father guard your heart from cynicism when people disappoint you, from bitterness when they wound you, and from the temptation to reduce anyone to their worst moment.
May the Holy Spirit give you courage to see people clearly, speak truthfully, forgive freely, and keep making room for the work of grace.
And when loving others becomes costly, may you remember that Jesus Himself is the measure of your love.
Go in peace, and love as Christ has loved you.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.