I sure enjoyed preparing for and presenting our series of messages on the theme: Love Works. You received the teaching well; feedback was great and good things are happening! Even though we are moving on from this first series for the year, we will continue all through 2011 to live out the words of Gal. 5:6 - “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.”

In this week’s Message About Purpose and Strategy, I’ll direct your attention to yet one more way that love works. Love works as the motivation to give.

Paul wrote the church at Corinth, saying: “Just as you excel in everything–in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us–see that you also excel in this grace of giving. I am not commanding you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love…” (2 Cor 8:7,8). Another passage that reveals love as our motivation to give is 3 John 5,6 - “Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God.” John was writing a thank-you note to people who had met the needs of others they didn’t even know. Their gifts demonstrated their love, a love that works.