“God delights in the little things that are prompted by a feeling of love.” D. L. Moody
Love puts maturity into character (vv. 4–7). The Corinthians were impatient with each other, suing each other, tolerating sin in the church, and creating problems because they did not have love. Whatever good qualities you may have, they are nothing without love.
The Message
John 13:34 NIV “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. Jesus Loves us in the context of His Grace (Undeserved Favor)
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 NIV4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
- Galatians 5:22-23 NIV But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.
- We focus more on I Owe You OR You Owe Me.
- Micah 7:18-19 NIV Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy. You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.
6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
- Genesis 9:20-23 NIV Noah, a man of the soil, proceeded to plant a vineyard. When he drank some of its wine, he became drunk and lay uncovered inside his tent. Ham, the father of Canaan, saw his father naked and told his two brothers outside. But Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it across their shoulders; then they walked in backward and covered their father’s naked body. Their faces were turned the other way so that they would not see their father naked.
8 Love never fails.
- Romans 12:9-12 NIV 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. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.