SCRIPTURE:
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.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8a
OBSERVATION:
You’ve heard “what is love,” but have you ever wondered “why is love?”
If you’ve been to a wedding, you’ve probably heard these verses before. In this famous “Love” passage written by the apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians, we learn sixteen traits about love. Paul makes it obvious what love is, and what it is not, but have you ever wondered why that is the case?
Why is love patient? Why is love kind? Why is love ________? The answer is in 1 John 4:16. The NIV version reads “and so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.” Love is all these things because GOD IS LOVE!
In both of 1 Corinthians 13 and 1 John 4, the Greek word used for love is “agape.” In the New Testament, four words are used for “love:” Storge (affectionate love), Eros (romantic love), Philia (friendly love), and Agape (perfect love). God is perfect “agape” love, the totality of which is only capable by God Himself. Thus, the focus of 1 Corinthians 13 is not human love; it is about God’s love. This passage is about God, who He is, and about His love for you!
APPLICATION:
God is love, and God loves you! Today, be encouraged by His love. Reread the passage above, but replace the word “love” with “God.” As you do, learn who God is and who He is not. Come to know His perfect love. Understand His loving character. Remind yourself of how He’s shown you His love in your life.
As we go through this Passion week, I am reminded that love starts here. Love starts at the cross. Love starts with Jesus. It starts with God, for God is love. If you’ve been changed or transformed by the love of God, I want to encourage you to share that love with someone this week. While you are not the source of this perfect “agape” love, God gives you the privilege of sharing the love that you have received from Him to those around you.
This week, share His love by inviting someone to church. Share His love through a random act of kindness. Share His love by telling your friends and family “I love you.” Yes, God’s love is meant to be received, but it is also meant to be shared. Be reminded of His perfect “agape” love for you, and when you have received His love, share His love forward with others this Easter week.
PRAYER:
God,
You are love! Thank you for your perfect love, and thank You for loving me so much that You allowed Your son to die on the cross for my sins so that I could live in a perfect relationship with you for all of eternity. I receive Your love for me, and I will pass that love forward to those around me. You are patient, you are kind. You always protect, always trust, always hope, and always persevere, for You are love. I love You, Lord, with all my heart.
In Your name I pray,
Amen
