In what ways can we demonstrate "love" as described in 1 Corinthians 13:13? Love: The Greatest of These “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13) What Love Looks Like • “Love is patient” → enduring irritations without retaliation • “Love is kind” → treating others with gentle goodness • “Love does not envy” → celebrating another’s success • “Love does not boast, it is not proud” → walking in humble dependence on God • “Love is not rude, is not self-seeking” → putting another’s comfort ahead of your own • “Love is not easily angered” → slow to take offense • “Love keeps no record of wrongs” → forgiving fully • “Love rejoices in the truth” → speaking honestly, never flattery or deceit • “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” → loyal commitment through every season Everyday Ways to Live Out Love At home • Listen attentively before speaking (James 1:19) • Serve without being asked—dishes, laundry, repairs (Galatians 5:13) • Pray daily for each family member by name (Ephesians 6:18) At church • Arrive eager to encourage someone (Hebrews 10:24-25) • Give time: teach children, visit shut-ins, join the prayer chain • Give resources: support missionaries, benevolence fund (1 John 3:17) In friendships • Guard confidences; protect reputations (Proverbs 17:9) • Offer gentle correction when sin appears (Galatians 6:1) • Celebrate milestones; mourn losses together (Romans 12:15) Toward strangers and neighbors • Extend hospitality—meals, rides, babysitting (Romans 12:13) • Show compassion to the vulnerable: widow, orphan, refugee (James 1:27) • Practice everyday courtesy: thank-you notes, generous tipping, holding doors With enemies • Return insults with blessings (1 Peter 3:9) • Pray for those who persecute you (Matthew 5:44) • Refuse revenge; entrust justice to God (Romans 12:19) Love That Builds Up the Body 1 Corinthians 8:1 reminds: “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” Practical builders: • Speak edifying words that impart grace (Ephesians 4:29) • Submit personal preferences for congregational unity (Philippians 2:3-4) • Mentor younger believers; seek counsel from the mature (Titus 2:3-6) Love That Reaches the Lost • Share the gospel clearly and courageously (Romans 1:16) • Confirm the message with tangible compassion—feeding, clothing, medical help (Matthew 25:35-36) • Support global missions through prayer, finances, short-term trips (Acts 13:2-3) The Power Source for Love • “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:5) • Abide in Christ—the true Vine—so His love flows through us (John 15:4-12) • Walk by the Spirit; love is first in His fruit (Galatians 5:22) Putting Love On Each Day • Start mornings by thanking God for His sacrificial love in Christ (1 John 4:10) • Clothe yourself with “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… Above all, put on love” (Colossians 3:12-14) • End the day reviewing where love was displayed and where it was lacking; seek forgiveness and rest in grace (Psalm 139:23-24) As faith looks upward and hope looks forward, love looks outward—actively reflecting the heart of our Savior to every person we meet. |
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