Image by: Shanissinha

Introduction

“You say you love me, at least 1000 times a day. But I can’t see that love in your actions.” My wife told me in a frustrated voice, after I denied to help her with the Sunday worship service one day. I paused for a moment. Isn’t she right? This was the situation in the Church of Corinth and that’s why Paul wrote to the church of Corinth at a time they had given priority to Spiritual gifts while ignoring to love each other.

Love without actions is dead! And this passage tells us what is real love.

1.  Love is the most excellent way, 1 Corinthians 13:1

A. Spiritual gifts without love is nothing

B. The most excellent way is to exercise spiritual gifts with love

C. This is the only way we can fulfill God’s will

D. Pagans use gongs and symbols in their worship

E. Without love there’s no difference

2. Without love I am nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:2

A. Gifts without love are just religious activities

B. Then I am not a real Christian

C. Tongues, prophecy, knowledge, supernatural faith alone cannot please God

D. Unloving people have no place in God’s kingdom

3. Self sacrifice cannot replace love, 1 Corinthians 13:3

A. Many Christians were martyred in Paul’s day.

B. Corinthians were used to do many charitable works like giving to the needy

C. But self sacrifice without love is useless

4. Then what is real love , 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

A. Love does not envy

I. Be content with what you have, 1 Corinthians 3:3

II. List your blessings, Exodus 20:17

III. Be happy for the other persons’ well being, Philippians 4:11,12

B. Love is patient

I. Be willing to wait for God’s perfect timing, Isaiah 40:31

II. Have self restraint, Romans 15:1

III. Control your impulses, James 1:4

C. Love is kind

I. Ask yourself, “What would this person like me to do to him?”, Proverbs 25:11

II. “What does he/she need?”, Isaiah 58:6-7

III. Speak softly and be caring, Ephesians 4:32

D. Love does not boast

I. Be humble, Psalm 49:6,7

II. Don’t brag, Psalm 34:2

III. Give credit to others, Philippians 3:1-8

E. Love is not proud

I. Don’t think you are better than other people, 1 Corinthians 8:1

II. Be modest, Philippians 2:2,8

III. Don’t be arrogant or overbearing, John 13:14,15

F. Love is not rude

I. Be courteous and kind, Numbers 12:3

II. Be gracious, 1 Peter 4:9

III. Use good manners, 1 Peter 5:5

G. Not self seeking

I. Think of others first, 1 Corinthians 10:24

II.  Give someone else first choice, Acts 20:35

III. Don’t be greedy and selfish, John 15:13

H. Not easily angered

I. Think the best of people, Matthew 5:22

II. Don’t jump to conclusions, Romans 15:2

III. Ask questions and listen,  James 1:19

I. Keeps no record of wrongs

I. Forgives, Galatians 6:1

II. Remember the rights, Matthew 6:12

III. What did Jesus do? John 8:11

J. Does not delight in evil

I. Don’t watch or read evil things, Matthew 5:29

II. Turn away from gossip, Proverbs 11:13

III. Don’t gloat when others fall, Galatians 6:1

K. Rejoices with the truth

I. Be happy about good things, Philippians 1:18

II. Spread good news, Isaiah 60:1

III. Tell the truth to yourself and others, Galatians 6:1

L. Always protects

I. Protects the helpless and weak, James 1:27

II. Protects self against temptation, Proverbs 4:14,15

III. Defends the name of Jesus. 1 Peter 3:15

M. Always trusts

I. Trusting is believing God’s promises, Isaiah 14:24

II. Pray about everything and trust him, Philippians 4:6

III. Believe that all things work for good, Romans 8:28

N. Always hopes

I. Never give up, Ephesians 6:13

II. Remember God doesn’t give up on you, Romans 5:10

III. Expect good things from God, 1 John 3:3

O. Always perseveres

I. Be persistent. keep on praying, James 5:16, Matthew 5:44

II. If God is for you, who can be against you? Romans 8:31

III. Be faithful to God and others, 1 Peter 4:8

P. Never fails

I. Love never fails, 1 Corinthians 13:13

II. God’s love never fails, John 15:9

III. Pray for a loving heart like his, John 13:35

Conclusion

Do you think your love for God and others meet the above criteria?