The use of time reveals a person’s deepest priorities, values, and loves. Because time is limited, every choice exposes what matters most; neglected spiritual priorities show misplaced affection. Many believers maintain a distant, functional relationship with Jesus; they come to Him primarily for help, protection, or provision rather than cultivating true fellowship.

Contrasting superficial love with genuine, self-giving devotion, the Bible provides an example of a woman who poured costly ointment on Jesus out of pure love. The apostles responded with criticism, revealing they admired Jesus mainly for His benefits. The God-man exposed this mindset when He confronted those who followed Him only for physical provision.

Pastor John shares his journey from a performance-based, emotionally distant upbringing toward Spirit-empowered love for God. The soul is corrupted by sin and is incapable of producing unconditional love; only the born-again spirit, energized by the Holy Spirit, can manifest divine love. This is why “charity” in 1 Corinthians 13 reflects God’s agape love. It is active, sacrificial, and closely tied to the love demonstrated in John 3:16, where God the Father gives God the Son as a ransom for humanity.

Receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit transforms a believer’s capacity to love, as seen in the apostles’ dramatic change at Pentecost. Pastor John illustrates this transformation through his lifelong marriage to Aina, describing how Holy Spirit–given love enabled him to remain faithful through her Alzheimer’s decline.

Ultimately, Christians need to examine whether they love God for His character or merely His benefits.

Print out the sermon outline and let's examine the Scriptures together Sunday morning at 9:00 AM PST.