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Today’s word is about “Love & Unity.” First Corinthians 13, it’s known as The Love Chapter. Paul gives a detailed definition of love and today, it continues to have a universal impact as this scripture is normally used at weddings and to explain the love that should exist between couples. Let us explore this chapter and learn why it continues to be a compass guiding many in their understanding of true love and unity.
Love is not self-seeking means that love is not just looking out for ourselves, but also the welfare of others. In other words, Biblical love is not about us continually seeking things within our best interest but rather looking out for the interest of others. In marriage, love should never be self-seeking.
The kind of love in Chapter 13, is the Agape love. This is God’s perfect, sacrificial & unconditional love that can save and restore even when we sin. What Paul says about love in this chapter, gives a clear picture of the Agape love as it focuses on this selfless love that persons should strive to cultivate.
What is Storge Love:
Storge Love is the love that exists between families. We have seen many demonstration of this love in the bible for example Mary and Martha, love between Abraham and his son Isaac, among others. This love is so important as Jesus warns us, Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar, the truth is not in them and they deceive themselves.
I John 4:20
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”
What is Philia Love:
Philia love speaks of deep friendship and partnership. It encompasses the deep love and compassion shared for persons, especially among those of the household of faith. God encourages us throughout scriptures to demonstrate this sincere love and respect for each other. God is the truth and by trusting Him, we must seek to love and care for each other.
I Peter 1:22-23
“Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”
What is Agape Love:
The Agape love is described as the unchanging, unselfish and sacrificial love. This love is not dependent on repayment nor is it practiced in an effort to seek personal rewards or benefits. This love also results in successful marriages as each partner commits in pleasing the other above self.
Romans 15:1
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”
This is the sacrificial love that God has for us, His children. He loves us unconditionally and still expects us to love each other sacrificially as He prepares us for His everlasting Kingdom.
The meaning of Love is Patient is that Patience is one of the fruits of the spirit that many are still trying to cultivate in an effort to reflect the character of Christ. God is a loving Father and He continues to exercise patience with His children. Many times we fail or are indecisive in areas which would benefit us but still God still patiently waits for us to come to the realization that He alone can give us the opportunity to live an abundant life. Love for each other requires patience and endurance. In the demonstration of patience towards your spouse, it requires tolerance even in areas that you once found intolerable. “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
Ephesians 4:1-6
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
Patience is not easily angered or forceful but requires a calm spirit as you trust God to fulfill His will in your life.
Love is not easily Angered means that God’s love is not associated with strive and ill-tempered behavior and being irritable, angered and annoyed can destroy the fabric of our relationships.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”
Even in areas of disagreements, we are encouraged to strive to speak to each other with kindness and humility. Husbands and wives should seek to communicate in love. Harsh words cannot be retracted and it is important to avoid getting angry which can result in the use of harsh bitting words which effect both the hearer and the speaker resulting and further exacerbates the situation. Abide in Godly love and live in peace and do not give in to the destructive emotion of anger.
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth is about Love cannot thrive where evil coexists. It is impossible to show love while concurrently fostering evil thoughts. We can never behave or say we love people when we at the same time have some evil motives which can negatively impact their lives. The love of God has pure motives and thinks only of the best for others. God’s love does not seek to develop schemes or tell lies that can destroy ones character. When the marriage is built on evil intent and distrust, this is a recipe for destruction. True love is not cultivated in half-truths but the whole truth, true love does not continue to see evil in your spouse, but the good.
I Peter 4:8
“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
Love always Protects is about God loves for us and for that reason He is always available to shelter us under His mighty wings of safety. In the demonstration of love for each other, the protection of others is vital, especially in times of danger, calamities and sorrow. Love always protects also means shielding those you love from possible dangers. Protect and strengthen your spouse in areas of weakness, always be a shield when exposed to danger. You may not be able to bear each other’s pain, but it’s comforting to know that you are not alone. There are so many evidences of God’s protection and reassurance recorded in His word. In every area of our lives, we can claim His protection through faith to lead and guide us on a path of safety.
Love always Trusts means placing full confidence in those you love. Trusting and believing in each other is a demonstration of the love that God ordains in His word. Distrust creates tension which can negatively impact any relationship. Loving God means trusting in Him and believing in His word and he expects us to demonstrate this love for each other. You will keep Him in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord himself, is our eternal Rock.
Isaiah 26:3-4
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the Lord for ever: for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength.”
Trusting in God brings peace as it creates an environment of harmony where spouse can confide in each other. God’s love refrains from accepting news from talebearers, gossip and strife but always believing in the best about one another. Mistrust and suspicions are not associated with God’s love.
Love always Perseveres means that love will endure under all circumstances. “Love beareth all things”, not just some things, but even in the most difficult situation, the love of God can lift the heaviest burdens and set you on a path of peace, happiness and restoration. God has a reward for those who show love through perseverance.
James 1:12
“Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.”
Conflicts may arise but when you choose to demonstrate God’s love that perseveres, you will able to resolve issues and enjoy stability in your union. When you truly love each other, you will be committed in enduring all the attacks of the enemy that may come. This love that Paul describes is the love that God ordains for His children. This love is pure, kind and forgiving. Unselfishness is not accommodated in the circle of God’s love. How harmonious will be our would if we all strive to practice this love! How amiable we would appear in our relationship with one another if we should choose to adopt His love.
Through God’s divine inspiration and prayer, we can lay aside all the encumbrances which are preventing us from practicing this God-ordained love. Seek God to guide you in this principle of love as we all aim to create a better society and more loving families as we prepare to reunite one day with the God of love.
Let’s Think right, so we are able to LOVE right:
Philippians 4:8
“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.”
In His Grip,
Pastor Wendy Schenkel
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