Reaffirming God’s Love
(2 Corinthians 2:1-11 (ESV))
(2 Corinthians 2:1-11 (ESV))
Review
Week 1: Recognizing God’s Love – opening our eyes to how God defines love.
Week 2: Receiving God’s Love – opening our hearts to how God sends love.
Week 3: Releasing God’s Love – opening our hands to give love intentionally, unconditionally, and in ways others can receive it.
This week is the final step in the “love walk”. It is the hardest to exercise but demonstrates maturity.
“Choose to restore love after it has been tested.” – Dr. D’Ann V. Johnson
The true measure of love is whether it can be returned after it has been wounded.
In the scripture, after the repentance of Paul, he instructs the church to not leave him in sorrow, but rather to forgive him, comfort him, and reaffirm love for him.
WHY DOES REAFIRMING LOVE MATTER?
Reaffirming Love Tests Our Obedience (2:9)
2 Cor. 2:9 – For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
Reaffirming Love Positions Us to Be Forgiven (2:10)
2 Cor. 2:10 – Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ.
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Reaffirming Love Closes the Door to the Enemy (2:11)
2 Cor. 2:11 ESV – so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.
“When love is not reaffirmed, resentment grows, relationships fracture, people withdraw and the enemy gains ground.” – Dr. D’Ann V. Johnson
In conclusion, it is even more important to affirm love, for the real danger is that another can be swallowed up in too much sorrow. It would take only reaffirming love to restore.

Pastor Kenneth Bryant