Text: 1 Corinthians 13.1-13
“As with all of God’s Word, we cannot truly begin to understand love until we begin to apply it to our lives. Paul’s primary purpose here is not simply to instruct the Corinthians but to change their living habits” John MacArthur, Jr., The MacArthur New Testament Commentary, 1 Corinthians, p.337.
Nothing works as it’s supposed to without love. It’s at the heart of everything we do in every role we play: parent, child, employer, employee, coach, teammate, and neighbor. In fact, the Apostle Paul says love is supremely more important than any gift, talent, or knowledge we may possess (1 Corinthians 13.1-3).
Maybe that’s why Paul, as he wrote these 15 characteristics of love, described them as verbs. The focus is not so much on what love is, as it is on what love does or does not do. Love is active, not passive. It’s more than feelings, it’s doing. As Pastor Manion says in this video clip from the message, “Love gives.”
Today, spend some time in self-reflection on how well you’re living a life characterized by love. Do this by rereading 1 Corinthians 13.4-7 and substituting your name in place of “love” or “it.” Use this as a time of confession and repentance.
