It is absolutely NO secret that Paul puts a very high premium of ‘love’. It is the frequent theme in his teaching & writing. There were three (3) different types of love that Paul spoke of. One was ‘phileo’ which is brotherly fondness. Another is ‘eros’ which is romantic affection or sexual love. But the love that was his main focus was ‘agape’, for this is the love that distinguishes itself as being devotion or selflessness toward others and also toward God. The apostle tells in his letters how God models agape love for us, and stresses how we are to follow his example. A lack of agape love in the church can cause all types of disorder & dysfunction.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Galatians 5:14).
Just as Jesus Christ is the cornerstone or lynchpin of the Christian faith, so ‘love’ is the lynchpin of all behavior for the believer. We must lead with love in whatever we think, say and do.
Paul starts off the chapter by telling us, essentially, that no matter what spectacular, eye-opening ‘thing’ we might do, if love plays no part in it then it amounts to nothing. The first three (3) verses make that point. To not truly love others is tantamount to completely ignoring the person. Some folks DO things to bring themselves personal notoriety. Others pretend to be loving to create a false impression as to who they really are. But without love their true motives will eventually be exposed.
At the end of the previous chapter (12), Paul says he will show his readers “the most excellent way” to behave. He tells what love IS and what it IS NOT.
Let’s start at the conclusion with the final verse in chapter 13: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
FAITH is defined as having complete trust or confidence in someone or something. In this particular case it would be faith in God. Our faith is grounded on the Gospel message. Our faith comes from salvation thru Christ’s death of the cross. It comes from our understanding of God’s unconditional & eternal love for us. It comes from our call from God to serve & while serving point everyone to the Lord. It comes from knowing we have an eternal home with God. As we grow in understanding & acceptance of the truths of God, our foundation of faith becomes stronger, as we stand firmer. Faith of this kind gives us great hope.
HOPE is an attitude of positive anticipation. It not only leads us to look ahead optimistically but colors our daily life now. We know that God delights in each of us and gives us special work to do. Receiving God's acceptance and affection softens our hearts and serving Him awakens us to the needs and potential of others. When we are confident of what we hope for, a deeper sense of love is ignited. We’ll seek out ways to put our passion and gratitude for God into action.
LOVE should be our highest goal. So, it makes sense for us to try to understand more fully & embrace the love that is offered to us. Pray for greater understanding of God’s plan for you. Press in on that which is promised from the scriptures. Stay humble, for pride and arrogance are barriers to the deeper truth God wants to reveal to you. We need to be nothing in the eyes of the world to be a success with God, for it isn’t about us, but about the Spirit of God within us that makes the difference. Seek a deeper walk in the Spirit and humbly go where He leads you. And I say again, in all you think, say and do ... LEAD WITH LOVE!
Next we will continue our look at “the Love Chapter”. Until then, walk with the King and be a blessing.
In His Name & for His Glory,
Richard Keller
Bread of Life Ministries
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