Nairobi, September 7, 2025 – The atmosphere at Nairobi Peniel Encounter Church was filled with warmth and joy on Sunday as Apostle Mike delivered a heartfelt sermon titled “Love.”
The service began with Apostle Mike welcoming first-time visitors and appreciating all guests. He recognized a young man who recently gave his life to Christ during a youth event, as well as another man who had promised to attend after encountering the church in a crusade. “We honor and celebrate you,” the Apostle said as the congregation applauded.
On a lighter note, Apostle Mike joked that he was careful not to tell the congregation to turn to their neighbors and say, “I love you,” sparking laughter. However, he assured everyone, “I love all of you.”
What is Love?
Apostle Mike asked the congregation to reflect on what comes to mind when they hear the word “love.” He emphasized that true love comes from Jesus Christ, noting how beautifully the praise and worship session had aligned with the sermon as the songs all revolved around love.
“How do you feel when you are never loved by somebody?” he posed, before asking, “How many would like to be loved?” The entire church raised their hands in agreement.
He explained the different kinds of love recognized in human relationships: Eros (romantic love), Philia (friendship love), Storge (family love), Ludus (playful love), Pragma (enduring love), Philautia (self-love), and Agape (God’s unconditional love).
While mentioning all, Apostle Mike chose to focus on Agape love, describing it as the universal love God has for humanity. “I pray that you will never encounter fake love in your life, but that you will show and receive genuine love,” he declared.
Loving Yourself Before Loving Others
The Apostle reminded the congregation that “you can only give what you have.” He encouraged them to love themselves first, differentiating self-love from selfishness. “When you love yourself in the right way, you will love others better,” he said.
He also noted that love in today’s world is “evolving,” with people even finding love on social media platforms. However, he stressed that God’s love remains the ultimate foundation for life.
Three Truths About Agape Love
Apostle Mike highlighted three key points about Agape love, each backed with scripture:
- Agape Love is the Foundation of a Christian’s Life
“Without a good foundation, a building will collapse,” he explained. Drawing from Genesis 1, he reminded believers that being created in God’s image was an act of love. He quoted 1 John 4:7–10:“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”
“You are fearfully and wonderfully made because of love,” Apostle Mike encouraged.
- God Loves Through Action
He reminded the church that God’s love is not just in words but in action. Quoting John 3:16, he declared:“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Apostle Mike further proclaimed healing over the sick: “By the stripes Jesus received out of love, we are healed.”
- Love is a Mandate
Finally, Apostle Mike emphasized that love is not optional but a command. Referencing John 13:34, he read:“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
He urged the church to live out this divine mandate daily.
A Call to Genuine Love
In conclusion, Apostle Mike prayed that every believer would be rooted in God’s true love and avoid counterfeits. He encouraged the congregation to show love in action, reminding them that the best way to reflect God is through love.
“The only way we can truly show that we love God is by loving others,” he concluded.
