1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13

Sermon Theme: Love Is the Foundation of Our Relationship with God and One Another

---

 

Introduction: The True Measure of a Christian

There are many things in the Christian walk that we consider important. We value faith, prayer, preaching, teaching, prophecy, spiritual gifts, knowledge, wisdom, and the ability to perform great works in the name of the Lord. However, the Apostle Paul brings us to an important truth in 1 Corinthians 13: All the gifts, talents, abilities, and accomplishments we possess mean very little if they are not accompanied by love.

The church at Corinth was a church that operated in spiritual gifts, yet it struggled with division, jealousy, pride, competition, and disorder. They had spiritual abilities, but they were not always demonstrating spiritual maturity.

Paul teaches them that having a gift does not necessarily mean that you have the character to use that gift properly. You can be gifted and still be unloving. You can be knowledgeable and still be arrogant. You can preach the Word of God and still mistreat the people of God.

God is not simply looking at what we do. He is also concerned with the condition of our hearts and the motivation behind our actions.

We live in a time when people often measure spirituality by how well someone preaches, how loudly they worship, how many scriptures they know, how many people follow them, or how many great things they accomplish. But Paul reminds us that the true measure of Christian maturity is not simply what comes out of our mouths or what we accomplish with our hands. It is also demonstrated by the love we show toward others.

You can have the voice of an angel and still have a heart that is far from God's character. You can have the knowledge of the Scriptures and still fail to demonstrate the love of Christ.

Today, we are going to examine what it means to walk in the love of God and why love must be the foundation of everything we do in the Kingdom.

1. Without Love, Our Gifts Become Empty

1 Corinthians 13:1–3 (KJV)

"Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal."

Paul begins by addressing the importance of love in relation to spiritual gifts and accomplishments.

He describes someone who can speak with the tongues of men and angels but has no love. Although that person may have an extraordinary ability to communicate, without love, their words become nothing more than noise.

Think about that for a moment. You can speak beautifully, preach powerfully, teach effectively, and quote scripture accurately, but if you have no love, you are missing an essential part of what it means to represent Jesus Christ.

Our words should not only communicate the truth of God's Word; they should also reflect the character of the God we serve.

Ephesians 4:15 (KJV)

"But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ."

Notice that Paul does not tell us to abandon the truth in order to demonstrate love. Instead, he teaches us to speak the truth in love.

Some people use the truth as a weapon to hurt, humiliate, condemn, or embarrass others. But God calls us to communicate His truth with the right spirit and intention.

Paul continues in 1 Corinthians 13:2 by explaining that even if someone has the gift of prophecy, understands mysteries, possesses great knowledge, and has faith that can move mountains, without love, that person is nothing.

This is a powerful statement because it shows us that spiritual ability and spiritual character are not the same thing.

• You can have knowledge without compassion.

• You can have faith without kindness.

• You can have authority without humility.

• You can have a ministry without a loving attitude.

• You can have a position in the church without demonstrating the heart of Christ.

Matthew 7:22–23 (KJV)

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?"

Jesus warns that outward spiritual accomplishments are not, by themselves, proof of a right relationship with Him.

We must be careful not to confuse the gifts God gives us with the character He desires to develop within us.

Paul takes it even further in verse 3. He says that even if someone gives away all their possessions to feed the poor or sacrifices their body, but has no love, it profits them nothing.

A person can perform an act that appears generous while having selfish motives. Someone can give to receive recognition, serve to gain influence, or sacrifice to make others feel indebted to them.

God is concerned not only with the deed but also with the heart behind it.

Sermon Point: God does not want us to simply perform loving actions. He wants us to develop a heart that genuinely loves.

2. Love Is Demonstrated Through Our Character

1 Corinthians 13:4–5 (KJV)

"Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil."

Paul now moves from describing what love is worth to showing us what love looks like in our daily lives.

Love is not merely an emotion that we experience when everything is going well. Biblical love is demonstrated through our attitudes, decisions, behavior, and treatment of others.

A. Love suffers long.

Love is patient. It is willing to endure difficult situations and exercise restraint when dealing with the shortcomings of others.

Patience does not mean that we allow people to continually abuse us or that we ignore wrongdoing. It means that we do not respond to every offense with anger, retaliation, or hatred.

Colossians 3:12–13 (KJV)

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another..."

We must remember that just as we need patience from God, other people may need patience from us.

B. Love is kind.

Kindness is love in action. It is demonstrated by how we speak to people, how we treat those who cannot benefit us, and how we respond to those who are struggling.

Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."

We should not be kind only to those who agree with us, respect us, or do things for us. Our kindness should reflect the grace that God has shown us.

C. Love does not envy.

Envy is resentment toward someone because of what they have, what they have accomplished, or the favor they appear to receive.

When we operate in envy, we find it difficult to celebrate someone else's blessings because we are too busy comparing their lives with our own.

James 3:16 (KJV)

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work."

Love allows us to celebrate the success of others without feeling that their blessings diminish our own.

D. Love does not boast or become prideful.

Love does not have to constantly advertise its accomplishments or prove that it is better than everyone else.

Pride says, "Look at what I have done."

Love says, "How can I use what God has given me to help someone else?"

Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves."

A person who truly understands the love of God recognizes that everything they possess, including their gifts and abilities, comes from Him.

E. Love does not behave itself unseemly.

Love does not intentionally behave in a dishonorable, disrespectful, or shameful manner toward others.

We cannot claim to love God while deliberately mistreating His creation. Our Christian character should be evident in how we behave at home, at church, at work, and in the community.

F. Love does not seek its own.

Love is not selfish. It does not make every situation about personal recognition, personal gain, or personal satisfaction.

Philippians 2:4 (KJV)

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."

This does not mean that we neglect our own responsibilities or ignore healthy boundaries. It means that we develop a genuine concern for the needs and well-being of others.

G. Love is not easily provoked.

Love does not allow every disagreement, insult, or disappointment to control its response.

There will be times when people say things we do not like, misunderstand our intentions, or fail to treat us as we believe we deserve. But we must learn to exercise self-control rather than allow anger to dictate our behavior.

Proverbs 16:32 (KJV)

"He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city."

Maturity is not demonstrated by how quickly we can respond to an offense. It is demonstrated by our ability to respond in a manner that honors God.

H. Love thinks no evil.

Love does not constantly assume the worst about people, keep a record of every offense, or deliberately interpret every action as an act of hostility.

This does not mean we should be naive or ignore evidence of wrongdoing. Scripture calls us to exercise discernment. But discernment and suspicion are not the same thing.

Sermon Point: Love is not simply what we say we have for others. It is revealed by our patience, kindness, humility, self-control, and willingness to put away selfishness.

3. Love Does Not Celebrate Iniquity but Rejoices in Truth

1 Corinthians 13:6 (KJV)

"Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth."

There is a difference between loving people and approving everything they do.

Biblical love does not celebrate sin, encourage disobedience, or support behavior that goes against the Word of God. True love is connected to truth because God's love does not lead people away from His righteousness.

Sometimes people misunderstand love and believe that loving someone means agreeing with everything they say or do. But the Scriptures teach us that love and truth must work together.

Proverbs 27:5 (KJV)

"Open rebuke is better than secret love."

There are times when love requires correction. A parent corrects a child because they want that child to grow in wisdom. A pastor teaches and corrects because they have a responsibility to guide people according to Scripture.

2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."

Correction should never become an excuse for cruelty, humiliation, or personal attacks. It should be grounded in God's Word and carried out with humility and a desire for restoration.

Galatians 6:1 (KJV)

"Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted."

Paul tells us to restore those who have fallen with a spirit of meekness.

Love does not take pleasure in seeing someone fail. It does not spread someone's mistakes for entertainment or use another person's weakness to elevate itself.

Love wants people to come into the knowledge of the truth, repent of sin, and experience restoration through Jesus Christ.

We must ask ourselves: When someone falls, do we rejoice in their failure, or do we pray for their restoration? When someone needs correction, do we seek to help them grow, or do we use the opportunity to make ourselves look superior?

Sermon Point: Love never requires us to compromise God's truth, but God's truth should always be communicated with a heart that desires restoration rather than destruction.

4. Love Bears, Believes, Hopes, and Endures

1 Corinthians 13:7 (KJV)

"Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things."

Paul describes the enduring nature of love. Love does not disappear simply because life becomes difficult or relationships experience challenges.

A. Love bears all things.

Love is willing to carry burdens, endure hardships, and support others during difficult seasons.

Galatians 6:2 (KJV)

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

The body of Christ should be a place where people can receive spiritual support, encouragement, prayer, and practical help.

However, bearing burdens does not mean enabling destructive behavior or remaining in an unsafe situation. Love can provide support while still establishing wise boundaries.

B. Love believes all things.

This does not mean that Christians should believe every statement made by every person. Scripture tells us to test what we hear and exercise discernment.

Rather, love is not automatically suspicious or cynical. It gives people a fair opportunity, recognizes the possibility of good, and does not assume dishonesty without reason.

C. Love hopes all things.

Love maintains hope in God's power to change lives, restore relationships, forgive sins, and bring people into a new beginning.

We may see someone's present condition, but God can work in that person's future.

Philippians 1:6 (KJV)

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Our hope is not based on pretending that problems do not exist. It is based on trusting God's power and faithfulness in the middle of our circumstances.

D. Love endures all things.

Love remains steadfast through trials, disappointments, and difficulties. It does not abandon its commitment to doing what is right simply because doing so becomes uncomfortable.

Jesus demonstrated enduring love through His sacrifice on the cross.

Romans 5:8 (KJV)

"But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Christ did not wait for us to become perfect before demonstrating His love. He made a way for our salvation while we were still sinners.

That is the kind of love that should shape our relationship with God and our treatment of others.

Sermon Point: The love of God is not limited to favorable circumstances. It remains committed to truth, faithfulness, and the purposes of God even when life becomes difficult.

5. Love Is Greater Than Temporary Gifts and Accomplishments

1 Corinthians 13:8–10 (KJV)

"Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away."

Paul now reminds us that spiritual gifts and present forms of knowledge are temporary in comparison with the enduring nature of love.

Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge serve important purposes in the life of the church. Yet they are not the final destination of the Christian walk.

Paul explains that our present knowledge is partial and that we currently understand only in part. When that which is perfect is come, that which is in part shall be done away.

Our understanding is limited. We do not know everything about God's purposes, and we should approach Him and one another with humility.

The church should never become so focused on spiritual gifts, positions, titles, or accomplishments that it forgets the importance of loving one another.

John 13:35 (KJV)

"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another."

Jesus identifies love as a distinguishing characteristic of His disciples.

Our love for one another is part of our testimony to the world. It should be visible in how we serve, forgive, encourage, correct, and care for people.

A church can have excellent programs, beautiful buildings, gifted musicians, powerful preaching, and organized ministries. But the members must also demonstrate the love of Christ.

Sermon Point: Our spiritual gifts may serve a particular purpose or season, but love remains essential to the Christian life.

6. Spiritual Maturity Requires Us to Grow Beyond Spiritual Immaturity

1 Corinthians 13:11 (KJV)

"When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things."

Paul uses the process of growing from childhood to adulthood to illustrate spiritual maturity.

Children often think, speak, and respond according to their level of development. As they mature, they are expected to develop greater understanding, responsibility, patience, and self-control.

The same principle applies to our spiritual lives.

We cannot remain spiritually immature and expect to demonstrate the fullness of Christ's character.

Spiritual immaturity may be revealed through:

• Constant jealousy and competition.

• Refusing to accept responsibility for our actions.

• Holding grudges and refusing to forgive.

• Becoming offended whenever someone corrects us.

• Seeking recognition rather than serving faithfully.

• Creating division because we cannot get our own way.

• Using spiritual gifts or positions to control others.

Ephesians 4:14–15 (KJV)

"That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine..."

Paul calls believers to grow into Christ in all things, speaking the truth in love.

Spiritual maturity is not measured merely by how long someone has attended church, how many scriptures they have memorized, or how many positions they have held.

It is also demonstrated by the fruit of their lives.

Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance..."

Love is listed first among the fruit of the Spirit. As we grow in our relationship with the Holy Spirit, our character should increasingly reflect the nature of Jesus Christ.

We must be willing to put away childish attitudes and allow God to transform our hearts.

Sermon Point: Spiritual growth is not simply about learning more of God's Word. It is also about allowing God's Word to change the way we live.

7. One Day We Will See Clearly, but Love Remains

1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV)

"For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known."

Paul describes our present understanding as looking through a dim reflection. In biblical times, mirrors did not provide the clear reflection that modern mirrors provide.

He uses this illustration to explain that our current understanding of God's purposes is incomplete. But one day, we will see face to face.

There are things about our lives, our trials, and God's plans that we do not fully understand today. There may be unanswered questions, difficult seasons, and circumstances that challenge our faith.

Yet we can continue to trust God even when we do not have all the answers.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (KJV)

"For we walk by faith, not by sight."

Our limited understanding should produce humility rather than pride. We must recognize that we do not know everything and that we need God's wisdom and direction.

Paul then brings the teaching to its conclusion in verse 13.

1 Corinthians 13:13 (KJV)

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."

Faith is essential because we believe in God and trust in His promises.

Hope is essential because we look forward to the fulfillment of God's promises and the eternal life He has provided through Jesus Christ.

Love is essential because it reflects God's own character and is central to how we relate to Him and to one another.

Paul does not say that faith and hope are unimportant. He emphasizes that love is the greatest.

1 John 4:8 (KJV)

"He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love."

God's love is revealed through Jesus Christ, who gave His life for the salvation of mankind. As believers, we are called to receive that love and demonstrate it in our daily lives.

Love is not merely an occasional act of kindness. It is a way of living that reflects the heart of God.

Conclusion: Let Everything We Do Be Done in Love

As we conclude this message, we must examine our own hearts and ask ourselves some important questions.

• Do our words demonstrate the love of Christ?

• Do we treat people with patience and kindness, even when they disappoint us?

• Can we celebrate someone else's success without jealousy?

• Are we willing to forgive those who have offended us?

• Do we correct people with humility and a desire to restore them?

• Are we using our spiritual gifts to serve God and build up others, or to gain recognition?

• Are we growing in spiritual maturity, or are we allowing pride, anger, and selfishness to control us?

We must remember that Christianity is not simply about what we know, what we preach, what we possess, or what we accomplish. It is also about becoming more like Jesus Christ.

Jesus demonstrated love by healing the sick, feeding the hungry, showing compassion to the brokenhearted, forgiving sinners, teaching the truth, and ultimately laying down His life for mankind.

John 15:12–13 (KJV)

"This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."

The love of Christ is sacrificial, compassionate, truthful, and enduring. It is a love that does not seek its own glory but seeks to fulfill the will of the Father.

We may have faith that moves mountains. We may have knowledge that impresses people. We may possess spiritual gifts that bless the church. We may perform great works in the name of the Lord. But if we fail to demonstrate love, we have missed an essential part of the Christian calling.

Let us not become so busy doing the work of the Lord that we forget to demonstrate the heart of the Lord.

Let us not become so concerned about being right that we forget to be loving. Let us not become so focused on our spiritual gifts that we neglect spiritual character. And let us not allow pride, jealousy, bitterness, unforgiveness, or selfishness to prevent us from showing others the love of Jesus Christ.