Love Does
Paul’s final words to the Corinthians in his first letter included this big audacious command: “Let all that you do be done in love” (1 Cor. 16:14).
First, what does this love mean?
God’s love is to motivate and flow through everything we do as believers (“Let all that you do”).
God’s love (agape) seeks, by attitude and action, to selflessly give the best and highest good for others.
Second, why should we love this way?
God commanded us to practice this love (1 Cor. 16:14).
God is praised for who He is (“God is love” – 1 John 4:8, 16).
God tells us this love is the greatest debt we owe others (Romans 13:8).
God modeled this love for us (John 3:16; 1 John 4:10–11).
God made it our spiritual birthmark (1 John 4:7–8).
God empowered this love to flow in and through us (Rom. 5:5, 1 John 4:19).
God declares this love “never fails” (1 Cor. 13:8a).
Third, how should we practice this kind of love?
Be patient (long-suffering) with others (1 Cor. 13:4a).
Be kindly sweet-hearted to others (1 Cor. 13:4b).
Do not be jealous of others (1 Cor. 13:4c).
Do not brag or be puffed-up about yourself around others (1 Cor. 13:4d).
Be well-mannered and not rude or needlessly offensive around others (1 Cor. 13:5a).
Do not push your own personal agenda (1 Cor. 13:5b).
Do not let others push your anger buttons (1 Cor. 13:5c).
Be forgiving and do not keep a record of personal offenses (1 Cor. 13:5d).
Do not be happy when others fall into sin (1 Cor. 13:6a).
Be joyful when others are believing and living by the truth (1 Cor. 13:6b).
Be protective of the character of others (1 Cor. 13:7a).
Believe the best about others (1 Cor. 13:7b).
Be hopeful for the success of others (1 Cor. 13:7c).
Be willing to stick it out for the sake of others (1 Cor. 13:7d).
Speak the truth to others in love (Eph. 4:15a).
Pray for and do good to your enemies (Matt. 5:44; Luke 6:27, 35)
Be willing to sacrifice as needed for others (John 15:13: 1 John 3:16).
Be sincere in your love toward others (Rom. 12:9a).
Do not wrong anyone (Rom.13:10a).
Look for ways to edify others (1 Cor. 8:1).
Find ways to serve others (Gal. 5:13).
Tolerate others (Eph. 4:2).
Let love keep you unified with others (Col. 3:14).
Stimulate others to love (Heb. 10:24).
Treat others as Christ treated you (John 13:34; 15:12).
Give maximum effort to love others (1 Pet. 1:22).
Be willing to cover and not expose the sins of others (1 Pet. 4:8).
Meet the needs of others as you are able (1 John 3:17).
What attitude or expression of love do you need to grow in? Paul prayed this prayer for us: “And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you” (1 Thess. 3:12).
Pastor Jeff