1 Corinthians 13
Introduction: Valentines Weekend. There is nothing wrong with dinners, chocolates, cards or flowers.
When it come to Love, there are all kinds of things uses and pointed to as objects or illustrations:
• Books – Romeo & Juliet; Gone with the Wind, etc.
• Music / Songs – ‘Endless Love’, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, ‘How Deep is Your Love’, Bee Gees; ‘Silly Love Song’ Paul McCartney and Wings
• Movies – The Notebook
- Art
‘Dance in the Country’ is an 1883 painting by Pierre-Auguste Renoir that depicts a couple dancing under a chestnut tree. The painting is in the Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France.
- Love languages and food:
Food doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate- it can be as simple as a bowl of cereal. Long after the last bite is eaten, we remember who we shared the food with and how it made us feel.
In the culture of Greece, Italy and in Nordic cultures, honey is a food of love.
13 Valentine Dishes that say ‘I Love You’
Transition: Our culture and history have seen and sung the praises of love; but so, does the Bible.
1 John 3:18 NKJ ‘My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth’.
NLT 1 John 3:18 ‘Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions’.
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good”.
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves”.
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality”.
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse”.
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil”.
Transition: Let’s visit together 3 of Loves features:
- Loves Emotion
- Love is considered an emotion characterized by strong feelings of affection, tenderness, and deep connection towards another person, often encompassing feelings of happiness, joy, contentment, and sometimes passion or excitement depending on the context of the love.
- Essentially, it’s a complex emotion that can be experienced in various ways, including through intimacy, care, and commitment towards someone else’.
- In no greater arena do I see this more critical than when we share / give this emotion to our spouse and children.
14 Parenting Styles Demystified – https://americanspcc.org/14-parenting-styles-demystified/?gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIlJWZ2-XIiwMVp1j_AR2ccCBmEAAYASAAEgKg9fD_BwE
- Motivate
- Edify / Nurture
- Empower
Transition: So, there’s love as an emotion, but love is also seen/demonstrated/displayed.
II. Loves Expression
Seen / Demonstrated / Displayed
Words of Affirmation
1. Words of affirmation
2. Physical touch
3. Quality time
4. Acts of service
5. Gifts
- Words of caring / appreciation
- Helpful Behaviour
- Acts of Service – Doing something kind or helpful.
Transition: One more…Love as an emotion, Love as a demonstration, and now Love in Action.
- Loves Action/Activity
A. Covered / Smothered in grace and forgiveness.
1 Peter 4:8 ‘Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins’.
(NLT)
- The apostle is talking about interpersonal relationships. As believers we reflect the love of God by forgiving others. Jesus told His disciples, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34–35).
- First Corinthians 13 tells us that love “keeps no record of wrongs” (verse 5). When we love each other, we are willing to forgive each other. Love covers sin in that it is willing to forgive.
- B. Full of Mercy
Mercy and grace are closely related.
While the terms have similar meanings, grace and mercy are not exactly the same.
Mercy has to do with kindness and compassion; it is often spoken of in the context of God’s not punishing us as our sins deserve.
Grace includes kindness and compassion, but also carries the idea of bestowing a gift or favor. It may help to view mercy as a subset of grace. In Scripture, mercy is often equated with a deliverance from judgment (e.g., Deuteronomy 4:30–31; 1 Timothy 1:13), and grace is always the extending of a blessing to the unworthy.
C. Steadfast in Longsuffering
Illustration: Prodigal Son – Luke 15
Conclusion: Favourite songs, favourite foods, favourite books, …
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