Sermon About Love: Why Love? 1 Corinthians 13
- 1. Love motivates – Gal. 5: 6.
- 2. Love works not ill – Rom. 13: 10.
- 3. Love produces confidence – I John 4: 17, 18.
- 4. Love is the bond of perfectness – Col. 3: 14.
- 5. Serve one another by love – Gal. 5: 13.
- 6. Excellence seen in characteristics.
I. Love Benefits Others Passively and Actively (1 Corinthians 13:4a-b)
Our exploration begins with the truth that love benefits others both passively and actively. In 1 Corinthians 13:4a-b, we read that "love is patient, love is kind." Love goes beyond mere sentiment; it actively seeks the well-being of others. It demonstrates patience in times of trial and extends kindness through compassionate actions.
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II. Love Is Passively Patient and Not Retaliatory (1 Corinthians 13:4a)
The second dimension of love reveals its passive patience and its refusal to retaliate. In 1 Corinthians 13:4a, Paul highlights the quality of patience, which refrains from seeking revenge or retaliation. This patient love emulates Christ's example and demonstrates self-control even when provoked.
III. Love Is Actively Kind and Serves Even Those Who Harm (1 Corinthians 13:4b)
The third facet of love reflects its active kindness, even towards those who may harm us. In 1 Corinthians 13:4b, Paul emphasizes that love is kind, going beyond mere tolerance to serve and uplift those who may cause harm. This kindness reflects Christ's sacrificial love, which transforms hearts through unexpected acts of grace.
IV. Love Doesn't Hurt Others in Seven Negative Ways (1 Corinthians 13:4c-5)
The fourth dimension of love addresses its purity by highlighting what it does not do. In 1 Corinthians 13:4c-5, Paul provides a list of seven negative actions that love refrains from: envy, boasting, pride, dishonor, self-seeking, anger, and keeping a record of wrongs. Love's absence of these traits underscores its transformative power in relationships.
V. Love Isn't Inwardly Jealous of Others' Giftedness (1 Corinthians 13:4c)
The fifth aspect of love addresses the absence of jealousy. In 1 Corinthians 13:4c, Paul points out that love is not envious. This quality is particularly relevant in the context of spiritual gifts. Love celebrates and encourages others' gifts rather than harboring jealousy.
VI. Love Doesn't Outwardly Boast of Its Own Giftedness (1 Corinthians 13:4d)
The final dimension of love focuses on humility and the absence of boasting. In 1 Corinthians 13:4d, Paul states that love does not boast. This humble attitude is crucial in a community of believers, where each individual's giftedness contributes to the collective body.
VII. Love Isn't Inwardly Prideful (1 Corinthians 13:4e)
Our journey commences with the recognition that true love isn't characterized by inward pride. In 1 Corinthians 13:4e, we are reminded that love does not boast. This speaks to humility in all areas of life, including avoiding the pitfalls of cliques, a focus on one's own tolerance, and knowledge. Love directs our attention outward, fostering unity and understanding within the body of believers.
VIII. Love Doesn't Behave Improperly (1 Corinthians 13:5a)
The second dimension of love pertains to proper behavior in various situations. In 1 Corinthians 13:5a, Paul underscores that love doesn't behave rudely. This admonition has implications for our engagements, sex roles, and worship practices. Love guides us to respect and honor one another, ensuring that our actions reflect the character of Christ.
IX. Love Isn't Selfish (1 Corinthians 13:5b)
The third facet of love emphasizes its selflessness. In 1 Corinthians 13:5b, Paul asserts that love is not self-seeking. This selflessness extends to our financial dealings and our approach to debatable matters. Love prompts us to prioritize the welfare of others over personal gain or desires.
X. Love Isn't Irritable (1 Corinthians 13:5c)
The fourth aspect of love addresses irritability. In 1 Corinthians 13:5c, Paul highlights that love is not easily angered. This quality of love is crucial, particularly in situations where potential conflicts may arise, such as disputes that lead to lawsuits. Love guides us to respond with patience and understanding, rather than reactive anger.
XI. Love Isn't Unforgiving (1 Corinthians 13:5d)
The fifth dimension of love speaks to forgiveness. In 1 Corinthians 13:5d, Paul emphasizes that love keeps no record of wrongs. This applies to offenses, the withholding of marital intimacy, and asserting one's rights. Love promotes reconciliation and grace, challenging us to extend forgiveness and release grudges.
XII. Love Knows the Right Things to Celebrate (1 Corinthians 13:6)
The final perspective on love centers around the ability to rejoice in the right things. In 1 Corinthians 13:6, Paul teaches that love does not rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in the truth. This discernment enables us to celebrate the right things, aligning our joy with God's values and purposes.
XIII. Love Doesn't Rejoice in Wickedness (1 Corinthians 13:6a)
Our journey commences with the understanding that authentic love does not find joy in wickedness. In 1 Corinthians 13:6a, Paul emphasizes that love does not rejoice in iniquity. This admonition is particularly relevant when considering situations like the case of incest in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 5:2). Love's purity compels us to stand against wickedness rather than embracing it.
XIV. Love Rejoices with the Truth (1 Corinthians 13:6b)
The second aspect of love pertains to its joy in truth. In 1 Corinthians 13:6b, Paul states that love rejoices with the truth. This means that love aligns itself with what is right, honorable, and consistent with God's character. It encourages us to celebrate and support what is in harmony with God's Word and His ways.
XV. Love Doesn't Give Up on Others (1 Corinthians 13:7)
The third dimension of love is its unwavering perseverance. In 1 Corinthians 13:7, Paul highlights that love never gives up. This speaks to love's commitment to the well-being and growth of others, even in the face of challenges or setbacks.
XVI. Love Endures the Shortcomings of Others (1 Corinthians 13:7a)
The fourth perspective on love focuses on its endurance through others' shortcomings. In 1 Corinthians 13:7a, Paul emphasizes that love bears all things. This encompasses the patience to navigate the imperfections of fellow believers, even when they misuse their spiritual gifts, as seen in the Corinthian church (1 Corinthians 12:14-26).
XVII. Love Believes the Best of Others (1 Corinthians 13:7b)
The final dimension of love centers on its positive outlook towards others. In 1 Corinthians 13:7b, Paul asserts that love believes all things. This doesn't imply gullibility, but rather an attitude of trust and hope that sees the best in others.
XVIII. Love Hopes in God (1 Corinthians 13:7c)
Our exploration begins with the profound truth that love is anchored in hope—specifically, hope in God. In 1 Corinthians 13:7c, Paul reminds us that love hopes all things. This hope is not mere wishful thinking, but a confident anticipation that God's hand is at work in every situation. Love, rooted in hope, enables us to look beyond present challenges and trust that God will bring resolution to issues within the church.
XIX. Love Perseveres with Courageous Patience (1 Corinthians 13:7d)
The second dimension of love speaks to its perseverance when personally wronged. In 1 Corinthians 13:7d, Paul asserts that love endures all things. This endurance involves courageous patience—an unwavering commitment to waiting and allowing God to bring about justice. Love empowers us to persevere even in the face of personal wrongs, trusting that God's timing and justice will prevail.
XX. Love Outlasts Gifts (1 Corinthians 13:8-13)
The third perspective on love revolves around its endurance beyond spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 13:8-13, Paul explains that while spiritual gifts have a temporal purpose, love remains eternal. Love transcends the temporal, outlasting even the most extraordinary gifts. As we grow in love, we recognize that our spiritual gifts are simply tools that facilitate love's expression.
Read more:
- Sermon About Prayer: Praying Like JesusJohn 17
- Sermon About Peace: Peace in All SituationsPhilippians 4
- Sermon about Blessed: How to Be Blessed Matthew 5:1-12
- Top Sermons to Preach The Word or Read OnLine
XI. Love Is Eternal and Complete (1 Corinthians 13:8a)
The final dimension of love centers on its eternal and complete nature. In 1 Corinthians 13:8a, Paul asserts that love never fails. Love's endurance is a reflection of its divine origin—a love that finds its ultimate source in God's unchanging character. Through love, we experience a taste of the eternal, a glimpse of the completeness that can only be found in Christ.
