1 Corinthians 13:8-13 “Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now, we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Last Sunday, Pastor Kyle continued our church’s sermon series through the book of 1 Corinthians by completing the second half of the “Love Chapter”. Pastor had jumped ahead due to the annual Saint Valentine’s Day celebration observed on February 14th, commemorating this Catholic priest/martyr’s death for the faith. St. Valentine had also worked as a Italian doctor. He lived in Italy during the third century AD and served as a priest in Rome. St. Valentine is the Catholic church’s Patron Saint of love, marriages, engagements, young people, greetings, travelers, bee keepers, people with epilepsy, and numerous churches. He was killed for refusing to renounce his Christian faith and love of God.
The word “love” used in 1 Corinthians 13 is the Greek word agápē; and translated as “charity” in the King James Bible. The Strong’s Bible dictionary define “agape” as affection, good will, love, benevolence, brotherly love. Agápē is the highest expression of love - a pure, selfless, unconditional thing. “Agape love” is love at the highest level. It's so much more than we could ever dream or imagine. It is a sacrificial love that binds. It is the love of God that we see through the cross of Jesus Christ. It is the love that saves and restores humanity in the face of sin and death. The 1828 Webster’s dictionary, in its definition of the word “love” states: if our hearts are right, we love God above all things, as the sum of all excellence and all the attributes which can communicate happiness to intelligent beings. In other words, the Christian loves God with the love of complacency in his attributes, the love of benevolence towards the interest of his kingdom, and the love of gratitude for favors received. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind – Matthew 22:37.
Pastor Kyle states that agape love is greater than spiritual giftedness or godly abilities for, on this side of eternity and glory, we only see dimly and know in part. But when that which is perfect has come, when the Lord Jesus takes His church and we shall stand face-to-face with the Lord, all shall be revealed and known in full. Today, whether in godly affection (storge love), godly friendship (philia love), godly Romantic love (eros love), or godly Charity (agape love), love is the greatest motivator for spiritual growth and maturity as a Christian. The passage ends with “and now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” To abide is the Greek word “Menō”, meaning to exist, to continue, to be; to dwell, rest, continue, stand firm, or be stationary for anytime indefinitely. To tarry or stay. We exist, dwell, stay and stand on faith, hope and love. When this life is over and we go to be with the Lord in Heaven, we will no longer be in need of faith and hope. But, love is a natural attribute of God and never ceases or fails, therefore “the greatest of these is love.”
Lord, make your love the defining trait of my life. Amen
In Christ, Brian
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