Go! And Love With The Heart Of Christ Series

Go! And Love with the Heart of Christ

Introduction:

Love is at the core of the Christian faith. The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, teaches us that no matter how gifted, knowledgeable, or generous we may be, without love, we are nothing. Today, we will explore what it means to love with the heart of Christ and why love is the foundation of all we do as believers.

1. Love is Greater than Words and Deeds

1 Corinthians 13:1 (NLT) - "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal."

Paul reminds us that eloquence and spiritual gifts are meaningless without love. The Greek word for love used here is agape, which signifies divine, unconditional love.

Matthew 22:37-39 (NLT) - "Jesus replied, ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’"

Do we love others with the same commitment that Christ commands, or are we more focused on appearances and accomplishments?

"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." – John Maxwell

2. Love is Greater than Knowledge

1 Corinthians 13:2 (NLT) - "If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing."

Paul tells us that even if we understand deep mysteries and have great faith, it means nothing without love. Knowledge without love can lead to pride, but love builds others up.

1 John 4:8 (NLT) - "But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love."

Are we using what we know to help and encourage others, or just to prove a point?

"Sound doctrine is crucial, but so is love. If we don’t have love, all the truth in the world will not make us more like Jesus." – Francis Chan

3. Love is Greater than Sacrifice

1 Corinthians 13:3 (NLT) - "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing."

Giving and sacrifice are good, but if they are done for personal gain or recognition, they are worthless in God’s eyes.

Matthew 6:1 (NLT) - "Watch out! Don’t do your good deeds publicly, to be admired by others, for you will lose the reward from your Father in heaven."

Do we give out of love or for personal recognition?

A philanthropist who gives millions but treats people with contempt versus a humble servant who gives out of love.

"Love is not something you feel. It is something you do." – David Wilkerson

4. Love Must Reflect Christ’s Character

John 13:34-35 (NLT) - "So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples."

Jesus sets the ultimate example of love. The way we love others is the defining mark of being His disciples.

Philippians 2:3-4 (NLT) - "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."

Are we imitating Christ’s love in our daily interactions, or are we only loving when it’s convenient?

"The measure of a great church is not how many come, but how many go out in love." – Rick Warren

5. Love Requires Daily Surrender

Galatians 2:20 (NLT) - "My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."

To truly love as Christ loved, we must surrender our selfish desires daily. Love is a choice that requires commitment.

Romans 12:9-10 (NLT) - "Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honouring each other."

Are we willing to lay down our own desires and preferences for the sake of loving others?

"You have never looked into the eyes of someone Jesus does not love." – Max Lucado

Conclusion:

Paul’s message in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 is clear: without love, we gain nothing. Love is not just an emotion but a daily commitment to reflect the heart of Christ in our words, knowledge, sacrifices, and character.