1 Corinthians 13 - 1.30.26

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13: 4-8

4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails.

Observation

Paul is writing to the church in Corinth that was divided. Paul is talking about “Agape Love” which is the highest form of love, defined in the Bible as a selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial commitment to the well-being of others, modeled by God’s love for humanity. Unlike emotional, sexual or conditional love, agape is an action-oriented choice that persists regardless of circumstances, flaws, or lack of reciprocation. (Google)

Ephesians 2: 4-5

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions -- it is by grace you have been saved.

Romans 5:8

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

God’s love is: Unmerited, Gracious and constantly seeking the benefit of the one’s He loves.

Application

Agape Love, modeled by Jesus Christ, is not based on a feeling; rather, it is a determined act of the will, a joyful expression to put the welfare of others before our own. Jesus gave us the example of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) who was beaten and left for dead. The Priest walked on the other side, so he didn’t have to look at him, the Levite also passed on the other side, but the Good Samaritan picked him up, bandaged him up and took him to an Inn, so he could recuperate from his wounds. The Good Samaritan paid for his stay and also told the Inn Keeper; to take care of him and he would come back and pay him any extra expenses. God tells us to: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The Good Samaritan was actively showing Agape Love.

Agape Love does not come naturally to us. Because of our fallen nature, we are incapable of producing such a love. If we are to love as Jesus Christ loves, that love “Agape Love” can only come from above.

These scriptures are used a lot in weddings, but I feel the real meaning of these verses are for our neighbors. The people we work with, the people that have a different political opinion than us, the neighbors down the street, the people protesting on the street corner, and the people driving next to us in traffic. Could you imagine if we actually lived our lives in obedience to these scriptures? With hearts that are eager to forgive and serve. What an impact we would make to a hopeless, angry world.

Romans 5:5 - And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.

LOVE NEVER FAILS!

Prayer

Dear Lord, We ask you to show us how to love the unlovable. We ask you to teach us to love like you do. Give us hearts that burn with your love and help us to be a people of action. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Help us to always walk in obedience to your word. Thank you for your love and mercy that was poured out on us. May the world know that we are Christians by our love.

- Michelle Craig