Sermon About Love: "What's So Great about Love?" 1 Corinthians 13:8-13
Some qualities of love:
The Bible teaches us about the nature of God's love and the qualities of love that we should strive to embody in our own lives.
One of the most famous passages about love in the Bible is found in 1 Corinthians 13, which is often referred to as the "Love Chapter." This passage describes love as patient, kind, not envious, not boastful, not proud, not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeping no record of wrongs. It also says that love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.
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By: Joe R. Price
Posted February 8, 2020
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I. Patient: Love is Patient and Kind (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Our journey begins with the fundamental truth that love is patient and kind. 1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us, "Love suffers long and is kind." Patience in love enables us to endure hardships, frustrations, and setbacks without losing our sense of compassion. Christ's patience toward us, despite our flaws, serves as a model for our interactions with others.
II. Forgiving: Love Does Not Keep a Record of Wrongs (1 Corinthians 13:5)
The second aspect of great love is forgiveness. Love "does not keep a record of wrongs." In Christ's love, we find ultimate forgiveness and redemption. As recipients of His grace, we are called to extend the same forgiveness to others. This means letting go of grudges and embracing a heart of reconciliation, just as Christ did for us.
III. Sacrificial: Love is Willing to Make Sacrifices (John 15:13)
The third characteristic of great love is its sacrificial nature. John 15:13 reminds us, "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." Christ's sacrificial love on the cross exemplifies the ultimate act of love. Our love should also manifest in selflessness, going beyond comfort and convenience to meet the needs of others.
IV. Humble: Love is Not Proud or Arrogant (1 Corinthians 13:4)
Humility is an integral part of great love. 1 Corinthians 13:4 tells us that love is not proud or arrogant. Christ's humility is demonstrated in His willingness to leave His heavenly throne and become human for our sake. A humble heart recognizes the value and worth of every individual, allowing us to serve and love others without seeking recognition.
V. Trusting: Love Trusts in God's Goodness (1 Corinthians 13:7)
The final element of great love is trust. Love "believes all things" and "hopes all things" (1 Corinthians 13:7). Our love should be grounded in the unchanging character of God. Trusting in His goodness and faithfulness enables us to extend love without fear, knowing that His purposes are ultimately at work.
VI. Compassionate: Love is Compassionate and Empathetic (Colossians 3:12)
Our journey commences with the attribute of compassion. Colossians 3:12 reminds us to "put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts." Great love extends beyond mere sentiment; it moves us to action. Love shows kindness, empathy, and care for those around us, mirroring Christ's own compassion for humanity.
VII. Part of the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22)
The seventh element of great love lies in its connection to the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22 states, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness." Love is not merely a human effort but a divine work that the Holy Spirit produces within us. As we yield to the Spirit's guidance, love blossoms in our lives.
VIII. The "More Excellent Way" (1 Corinthians 12:31 - 1 Corinthians 13)
The "more excellent way" that the apostle Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 12:31 is the way of love. In 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "Love Chapter," we discover that love surpasses all spiritual gifts and abilities. It is the hallmark of a mature Christian life, demonstrating that the highest expression of our faith is love.
IX. Love Never Fails (1 Corinthians 13:8)
The constancy of love is emphasized in 1 Corinthians 13:8: "Love never fails." Unlike temporary gifts and accomplishments, love remains enduring and eternal. It is not bound by circumstances or time. In a world marked by change and uncertainty, love stands firm, a testament to God's unchanging character.
X. Love's Enduring Nature Makes It "The Greatest" (1 Corinthians 13:13)
The final element we explore is the grand culmination of love's qualities. 1 Corinthians 13:13 declares, "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love." Love's enduring nature elevates it to the pinnacle of Christian virtues. Love completes our faith and sustains our hope. It is the ultimate reflection of God's heart.
XI. Love learns what must be learned.
Love is not only a feeling or an emotion, but it is also an action. It requires effort, time, and sacrifice. Love is also a learner, eager to learn the word of God and to apply it in everyday life.
A. Love is Humble, Willing, and Eager to Learn and Grow in Love for God and Others, Matt. 22:37-40.
B. Love Learns the Word of God, Jno. 14:23-24 (necessary inf.).
Love is not just a feeling, but it is also an action that involves learning and applying the word of God. As we grow in our love for God, we will have a deeper desire to learn His word and to live according to His will. We will recognize that His word is a source of wisdom, understanding, and guidance that can transform our lives and help us to love others more fully.
XII. Love Speaks the Truth of God, Eph. 4:15.
Love is often associated with warmth, affection, and kindness, but it also involves speaking the truth of God. The Bible teaches that love is not just a feeling, but an action that involves telling the truth in a loving and respectful manner.
1. With longsuffering and kindness, not rudeness and ill-will, 1 Cor. 13:4-5.
2. With conviction and urgency, 2 Tim. 4:2.
3. Love rejoices in the truth, 1 Cor. 13:6.
Love Obeys God to have Fellowship with God, Jno. 14:15; 1 Jno. 2:5 (1 Jno. 5:3; Phil. 2:8); 2 Jno. 6. Love corrects children, Heb. 12:5-6. Love accepts correction (from God, parents), Heb. 12:7 (9).
In Ephesians 4:15, the apostle Paul instructs Christians to "speak the truth in love." This can be challenging, especially when we need to address difficult issues or confront wrongdoing, but it is an essential aspect of love.
Conclusion
Overall, the Bible emphasizes the importance of love as a central aspect of human life and relationships. It teaches that love is not just a feeling, but an action that requires selflessness, sacrifice, and a willingness to serve others.
Love is the “greatest” because it abides, it endures, 1 Cor. 13:13. Love fills every crevice of godly character, moves every action of obedient faith, and serves every soul in need.
Those who “love one another” are born of God and know God, 1 Jno. 4:7.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted February 8, 2020
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