If you abandon the pursuit of your joy, you cannot love others.

Because love by definition for the Apostle Paul is not the raw performance of duty by willpower.

It is the overflow of joy in God or the pursuit

of expanded joy in the meeting of others' needs. If you say, I don't care about that joy,

I'm indifferent toward the pursuit of that joy, then you're going to be indifferent

to an essential element of love and therefore won't be a virtuous person.

Why is love more than just action?

In this episode of Light and Truth, John Piper explores 2 Corinthians 8, showing that true love flows from joy in God and transforms generosity into heartfelt expression of love.

This sermon was originally given at Trinity Baptist Church in Wheaton, Illinois on September 20, 1988.

Father, would you assist us now to set our mind's attention and our heart's affection

on things that are invisible?

For the things that are invisible are eternal.

Grant, I pray that you would reveal to us that through all the afflictions of our lives

and whatever it costs us to follow you in the path of Calvary Love are working for us an eternal

weight of glory beyond all comparison.

And so I pray that when we hear what you call us to do,

we would not turn back with fear.

Rather, may we fear Him who can

throw both soul and body into hell the great displeasure of your judgment. May we flee

to your open arms and walk with Jesus in the path of love. Lord reveal to us what a joy that

is both now and in the age to come.

And I ask it in his great name. Amen.

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