Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil, cleave to that which is good
Romans 12:9
INTRODUCTION
Love is more essential than any spiritual gift. Even though prophecy is said to have covered the whole range of eternity from the story of creation to the end of Revelation and it is an excellent gift but its use shall stop one day and moreover is useless without love. Wisdom, Knowledge, and understanding are crucial to the growth of man but they could only be profitable if accompanied by love. For love is more essential and greater than them all. God Himself is love.
OUTLINES
- The characteristics of love 1Corinthians 13
- Love is generous 1Corinthians 13:3 God manifested His love by giving the gift of Jesus Christ to mankind. John 3:16. Although generosity is part of Christian attitudes, if our motive and action are not from unconditional love towards men then our generosity, sacrifice, and even martyrdom will be useless and profit nothing. We must give benevolently.
- Love is patient and endures suffering 1Corinthians 13:4. Patience and perseverance are both outstanding qualities of love. Naturally, we are advised to get rid of difficult people in our lives whether family, friends, or acquaintances but it is contrary to God’s form of love in the scriptures. We are encouraged in the bible to demonstrate true or perfect love towards these difficult people. With much patience and kindness, they may change their attitudes. Love makes it possible to endure sufferings and yet remain calm, kind, and sweet. The Bible teaches that Christian sufferings perfect Christian character and build Christian maturity.
- Love is sustaining 1Corinthians 13:7a True love will never collapse under spiritual, physical, emotional, mental, financial, marital, and other strain in life. Agape will rather expect the best in any situation by hoping in God always. Mature love does not fear but rather impacts courage.
- Love is forgiving 1Peter 4:8 True love forgives and forgets the offense of the offenders. The practice of loving one’s enemies and forgiving anyone that offends us is modeled by God Himself. He is kind to the unthankful, disobedient, and ungodly generation. True love does not keep malice but is ready to forgive. Forgiveness is possible through unconditional love. Love covers a multitude of sins. Matthew 5:43-48
- Love is humble. Love helps Christians not to be proud, arrogant, or boastful. It always helps Christians to esteem others more than themselves and to give respect to everyone. It helps Christians to be humble enough to submit to divine counsels to control their temperaments. Matured love makes Christians gracefully respond to every foolish and angry word politely never harshly nor rudely.
- Love does not jealous or envy If we truly love people we will rejoice with them on their blessings and will not desire that their blessings should be ours or erode. Love is never selfish nor self-centered Matthew 22:39, Ephesians 4:32
- Love is truthful. 1Corinthians 13:6b. Love helps Christians to relate with one another in all sincerity without deception. It is impartial in relating with people. Deuteronomy 10:19. It helps Christians to be honest, trustworthy, and dependable and makes one believe and trust others. When we relate in love there will be no room for fear, suspicion, and betrayal of trust.
- Love is not easily provoked. When we love one another genuinely, we won’t be touchy by their attitudes as love is not easily angered nor oversensitive nor dwells on assumptions.
- Love does not rejoice in iniquity although love covers a multitude of offenses yet it does not condone sin. Love corrects people in
- Love is eternal. Other gifts will end, in fact, faith and hope will stop but love abides till eternity.
QUESTIONS
- Recite the Memory Verse
- Why is love essential more than spiritual gifts?
- Why is love the greatest out of faith, hope, and love?
- Are you sure your love has all the ingredients of love?
- What can you do to love all the ingredients listed above?
SUMMARY
The ten commandments can be summarized into two as Christ taught us. The first four that teach on how to relate with God, is based on our love for God. Exodus 20:1-11. The remaining six tell us about our responsibilities towards other people which can only be done out of genuine love and the help of the Holy Spirit. The rest of the study shall therefore examine love as a victorious weapon.
PRAYER POINTS
- God open my understanding during this study to understand love as a weapon.
- Teach me how to apply the weapon effectively