When Love Shows Up - Dave Hess
When Love Shows Up
Pastor Dave Hess
In Ephesians 4:10-16, Paul describes how Christ ascended, filled the universe with His presence, and gave gifts to the church: apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Their job is to equip God’s people for service, so the body of Christ grows and builds itself up in love. As each part does its special work, the body becomes healthy, growing, and full of love.
The Heart of the Matter
The phrase “as each part does its own special work” suggests more than simply doing tasks — it speaks of serving with power, energy, and strategic purpose. The idea of command here means joining hands and entering into another's world. Jesus didn’t simply issue commandments; He invited us into a relationship of love that overflows into the world (cf. Matt 22:37-40).
In short: Love embraces our calling, responds to God’s invitation, and shows up.
How Love Shows Up
1. Embrace Your Uniqueness
“I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My soul knows it very well.” — Psalm 139:14
When God made you, He made you with intention: distinct, with something to contribute. You are a gift to others.
2. Honor God’s Calling
“As you sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world.” — John 17:18
God has appointed each of us and released us with a mission. We are meant to respond to this divine invitation.
“I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 3:14
3. Discover Your Assignment
You aren’t only given a plan — you’re given a Person (the Holy Spirit) to guide you.
He leads into truth (John 16:13).
He renews our minds so we can prove God’s perfect will (Romans 12:2).
Ask: What moves me? What frustrates me? What vision stirs me?
When you explore those questions, you often find the place where God wants you to serve.
4. Press Through Opposition
Even when it’s chaotic, you can still press through.
The Spirit hovered over chaos at creation (Genesis 1:2).
Faith and perseverance inherit the promise (Hebrews 6:12).
Strongholds can be broken, obstacles overcome, and darkness pushed back — through courage, wisdom, and persistence. (cf. Proverbs 21:22)
5. Speak the Truth in Love
Our allegiance is ultimately to God, not popularity. Silence in the face of moral or spiritual crisis is not an option.
Loving truth includes uncomfortable things, but it always points to Jesus: the way, the truth, and the life.
When love shows up, it is active and dynamic. It isn’t passive. It doesn't wait to be asked. It moves. It presses. It speaks. It serves.
Let us each step into our part — unique, called, empowered, and ready — so the whole body grows, is strengthened, and overflows with love.
