A Love for Others
1 Corinthians 13:1–13
If someone asked you to define love, what would you say? The word itself may be the most used, and overly used, word in the English language. Ponder for a moment the various things a person may associate with love.
There are certain restaurants and types of food, churches, football teams, vacation spots, movies, songs, books and even pets we claim to love.
The love we proclaim can be a strong liking, or it could be a deep affection toward someone or something. Surely, when we say we love our spouse, we are not equating our feelings for that person to the same way we enjoy a piece of pecan pie.
Consider our text this week and its message regarding love. Commonly referred to as “the love chapter,” 1 Corinthians 13 is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible.
You will hear it read at weddings, Valentine’s Day banquets and other events. The key to appreciating this chapter to the fullest is to meditate on the great love Christ has for us. Without His demonstration of love for us, we would never know Him or the great salvation He provides.
Love is foundational to everything we do. (1–3)
Think for a moment about all you and others do to serve Christ, His local church and your community. I can attest that it is both tempting and easy to be busy doing ministry.
But you can spread yourself so thin that you feel as if your tiredness is a sign of spirituality. It is not. We can be busy and make a lot of noise and still have our hearts in the wrong place.
The reason and motivation for everything we do is to reflect the love of Christ. Don’t forget that. Too many serve the Lord to be loved by those they serve.
Our purpose is to show His love, not receive praise from others. By doing this, we more humbly point others to Jesus.
Love reflects the character of Christ. (4–7)
When we love others with the love of Christ, we will love them like Christ. It says more about us than the ones we care for when we love them like Jesus.
That type of love does not seek our personal good, but rather the betterment of others. When you love someone like Jesus, you want the best for them. You are the first to extend mercy, and transparency is celebrated. The love of Christ is more than a feeling; it is an assurance.
Love does not diminish, fade or go away. (8–13)
Have you ever tried to make yourself not love someone? I don’t know if that is possible. Once a person has made a mark on your life, it is impossible to stop loving them, even if you are the recipient of their rejection.
On a much greater and eternal scale, God’s love for us will never fade, fail or falter. Paul reminds us in this chapter that there are a lot of great things in this world, but none are greater than love. It sustains us in our darkest days and gives us hope in our best days.
Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ, and nothing should hinder us from sharing this great love with others. Our world needs more love. Will you show it?
EDITOR’S NOTE — The Sunday School lesson outlines are provided by Lifeway.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
