Introduction:  God designed us to have a love for Him and for others.  He modeled this love through His love for us that has been poured out on us.  “…the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.  (Romans 5:5b)

God’s Love for Us (Romans 5:6-10)

• Our Condition:

            “without strength” (Romans 5:6a)         “ungodly”  (Romans 5:6b)

            “sinner”  (Romans 5:7-8)     “wrath”  (Romans 5:9)    “enemy”  (Romans 5:10)

• His Care:

            “died”  (Romans 5:6-8)                “justified”  (Romans 5:9a)

            “saved”  (Romans 5:9b)               “reconciled”  (Romans 5:10)

Our Love for God (Mark 12:29-30) 

• “with all your heart”—a pure love

• “with all your soul”—a passionate love

• “with all your mind”—a perceptive love

• “with all your strength”—a practical love

Our Love for Others (Mark 12:31; 1 John 4:7-11) 

• Receives (Romans 15:7)

• Appreciates  (1 Thessalonians 5:12)

• Connects (Romans 12:4-5)

• Serves (Romans 12:6-8)

• Invests (Romans 12:9-13)

• Gives (1 John 3:17)

• Forgives (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Application: A love that is lavish is extravagant, unexpected, and extraordinary. Does this describe your love for God and others?