1 Corinthians 13:4-7

What is Love?

Love is one of the most used words in the world, yet often one of the most misunderstood. Many people think love is only a feeling, something emotional that comes and goes. Others think it is just about romance or affection between two people. But the Bible shows us that love is much deeper and greater than feelings or emotions.

According to the Bible, love is the very nature of God. 1 John 4:8 says, “God is love.” This means that love is not just something God does; it is who He is. Because God is love, everything He does is motivated by love. From creation to salvation, from justice to mercy, love is at the center of God’s actions.

True love is not selfish or proud. It is not based on how someone makes us feel. Real love gives, serves, forgives, and sacrifices. In fact, the highest example of love is found in Jesus Christ, who gave His life for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).

Love is also the greatest commandment. When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, He replied in Matthew 22:37-39 that we must love God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and love our neighbor as ourselves. This shows that love is the foundation of all relationships, our relationship with God and with others.

In this sermon, we will explore love through three main points: God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for others. As we study these truths, may our hearts be opened to live a life filled with true, godly love.

1. God’s Love for Us

The first and most important thing to understand about love is that God loved us first. Before we ever thought about God, before we even knew who He was, He already loved us deeply. His love is not something we can earn by doing good things or being perfect. It is a gift freely given because of who God is. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.”

God’s love is powerful, eternal, and unconditional. In Romans 5:8, we read: “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This means that even when we were far from God, when we were living in sin, God chose to send Jesus to die for us. He didn’t wait for us to change; He loved us just as we were. That is what true love looks like.

Jeremiah 31:3 shows the depth of God’s love: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.” God’s love doesn’t change with time or depend on how we behave. His love lasts forever. Even when people disappoint or reject us, God’s love remains steady and faithful.

This love is also transformational. When we truly understand and accept how deeply God loves us, our lives begin to change. We find peace in His presence, joy in our hearts, and hope for the future. We realize that we are never alone because the God of the universe cares for us personally.

Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us, “Because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” His love brings us from death to life. It lifts us from sin and gives us a new beginning.

In 1 John 4:9-10, the Bible says, “This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” God’s love takes the first step. It reaches out, rescues, and redeems.

God’s love is not just a feeling; it is an action. He proved His love through Jesus’ death on the cross. He continues to show His love every day by being with us, guiding us, and forgiving us.

Understanding God’s love for us is the foundation of Christian life. When we receive this love, we find our true identity and purpose. We are not just created beings, we are beloved children of God. His love defines us, and it invites us into a relationship with Him that is filled with grace, truth, and eternal hope.

The Bible teaches that God’s love is not based on what we do but on who He is. His love is unconditional, meaning He loves us no matter what. Romans 5:8 says:

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

This verse shows that God loved us even when we were undeserving. He did not wait for us to become perfect before showing His love. Instead, He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to die for us while we were still in sin. This is the greatest act of love ever shown.

Another powerful scripture about God’s love is Jeremiah 31:3:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness.”

God’s love is everlasting; it does not change with time or circumstances. Human love can fade, but God’s love remains forever. He loves us the same today as He did yesterday, and He will continue to love us in the future.

God’s Love is a Gift

Ephesians 2:4-5 tells us:

“But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions, it is by grace you have been saved.”

God’s love is not something we can earn or deserve. It is a free gift of His grace. This means that no matter how much we fail, God’s love is still available to us.

God’s Love Transforms Us

1 John 4:9-10 says:

“This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

God’s love changes us. It takes us from a place of sin and death into a place of life and hope. When we truly understand how much God loves us, it changes the way we live, think, and love others.

2. Our Love for God

Once we understand how deeply God loves us, our natural response should be to love Him in return. Our love for God grows out of our gratitude for all He has done for us. It is not about fear or duty, but about a real, personal relationship with the One who created and saved us. The Bible clearly tells us how we should love God.

In Matthew 22:37-38, Jesus said, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment.” This means our love for God should involve every part of our lives:

• With our hearts, we feel deeply connected to Him.
• With our souls, we worship and trust Him completely.
• With our minds, we think about Him, study His Word, and make decisions that please Him.

Loving God means putting Him first above all else. It means choosing to obey His commands not because we have to, but because we want to. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, keep my commands.” Our love for God is seen in how we live in our actions, words, and choices.

Love for God also means spending time with Him in prayer, reading the Bible, and worship. When we love someone, we want to be close to them. Psalm 42:1 says, “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.”

When we love God, our lives begin to reflect His love and character. We become more patient, kind, and humble. Deuteronomy 7:9 reminds us that God “keeps His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments.”

Loving God is not a one-time decision; it is a daily walk. It grows deeper as we know Him more. Our love for God brings joy, peace, and strength in every season of life.

3. Loving Others as God Commands

When we understand God’s love for us and learn to love Him in return, we are then called to show that same love to others. This is not just a suggestion; it is a command. Jesus said in John 13:34, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

Loving others is the second greatest commandment, right after loving God. In Matthew 22:39, Jesus says, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” This kind of love goes beyond feelings. It means treating others with respect, kindness, and compassion, even when it is hard.

Loving others means being patient, forgiving, and humble. 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 tells us, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.”

True love is shown through action. 1 John 3:18 says, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” This means helping someone in need, listening with care, forgiving those who hurt us, and sharing what we have. It is easy to say, “I love you,” but much harder to prove it through selfless actions.

We are also called to love even our enemies. In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This kind of love can only come from God living in us. It is not natural; it is spiritual. It shows the world that we are truly followers of Jesus.

Loving others doesn’t mean we ignore truth or allow wrong behavior, but it means we always act with grace and mercy. Galatians 5:14 summarizes it well: “The entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”

When we love others, we bring light into dark places. We reflect God’s character to the world. As we grow in love, we become more like Jesus, who laid down His life for others. This kind of love changes families, churches, and communities. It is the greatest evidence of God at work in our lives.

Conclusion: Living in God’s Love

Love is more than just a feeling or a word; it is a way of life. The Bible teaches us that God’s love is the source of all true love, and when we receive His love, it changes everything about us. We become people who love God fully and love others sincerely.

First, we must receive God’s love. God loves us unconditionally, not because of what we do, but because of who He is. Romans 5:8 tells us, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This love is a gift, freely given. When we accept it, we find forgiveness, peace, and hope.

Second, our love for God must grow deeper every day. Jesus said the greatest commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind” (Matthew 22:37). Loving God means putting Him first in everything, our thoughts, actions, and choices. It means obeying Him, trusting Him, and spending time with Him through prayer and reading the Bible.

Finally, God calls us to love others as He loves us. This is the second greatest commandment (Matthew 22:39). Loving others means showing kindness, forgiveness, patience, and selflessness. It is often not easy, especially when others hurt us. But Jesus tells us to love even our enemies (Matthew 5:44). When we love others, we show the world who God is and reflect Jesus’ heart.

Living in God’s love is a daily choice. It is a powerful force that transforms our lives, heals broken relationships, and brings light into a dark world. As 1 John 4:7 reminds us, “Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” May we all live in God’s love and share that love with everyone we meet. Amen.