Go! And Love as Christ Loves
Introduction
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NLT) declares:"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. 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. 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."
These powerful words remind us that love is central to everything we do as followers of Christ. Love is not an optional extra; it is the defining characteristic of a true disciple of Jesus. Paul wrote these words to a divided church in Corinth, a people who had become more concerned with their spiritual gifts than with their relationships with one another.
Today, we will explore the supreme importance of love, the nature of true Christian love, and how we are called to live in love daily.
1. Without Love, Our Words Are Empty
Proverbs 15:1 (NLT) - "A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare."
Paul begins by stating that even if we could speak in the languages of men and angels, without love, we would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. The Greek word used for "gong" is chalkos (?a????), referring to bronze or brass, materials that produce a loud, hollow sound. Paul is painting a picture of meaningless noise—words that lack substance and depth.
Ephesians 4:15 (NLT) - "Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church."
The Corinthians prided themselves on eloquence and knowledge, yet Paul reminds them that words without love are useless. It is not just about what we say, but how we say it.
How do we speak to our family, friends, and co-workers? Do our words reflect Christ’s love, or are they harsh and cutting?
"Truth without love is brutality, and love without truth is hypocrisy." – Warren Wiersbe
2. Without Love, Our Gifts and Knowledge Are Worthless
James 3:17 (NLT) - "But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favouritism and is always sincere."
Paul addresses the Corinthians' pride in their spiritual gifts, reminding them that without love, even prophecy, wisdom, and faith are meaningless. The Greek word for "knowledge" is gnosis (???s??), referring to deep spiritual insight, yet Paul warns that knowledge alone does not equal true spirituality.
Colossians 3:14 (NLT) - "Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony."
Love must be the motivation behind our actions. Spiritual gifts are given to serve others, not to elevate ourselves.
Do we use our gifts for personal recognition, or do we serve others in humility?
"People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care." – John C. Maxwell
3. Without Love, Even Sacrifice is Meaningless
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."
Paul takes it even further: if we give everything to the poor or even die as a martyr, but lack love, it means nothing. The Greek word for "nothing" here is ouden (??d??), meaning utterly worthless. Even the greatest sacrifice, if done for pride or recognition rather than love, is empty.
1 John 3:16 (NLT) - "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up his life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters."
True love is sacrificial, as demonstrated by Christ. Love should be our motive, not selfish ambition.
Are our good deeds motivated by genuine love, or by a desire for attention?
Are we motivated by how much we give, rather than how much love we put into giving?
Call to Action: Love as Christ Loves
If love is the foundation of all we do, then we must commit to living in love daily.
Speak with Love – Choose words that encourage, not tear down.
Serve with Love – Use your gifts for God’s glory, not personal gain.
Sacrifice with Love – Let your acts of service be motivated by Christlike love.
Think of a beautiful melody played on a violin. Without love, our actions are like an out-of-tune instrument—technically correct but painfully empty.
Invitation to Faith in Jesus
Perhaps you have never truly experienced the love of Christ. The greatest act of love is Jesus giving His life for us.
John 3:16 (NLT) - "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
Today, you can receive the love of God by placing your faith in Jesus Christ.
Conclusion
Love is not a feeling; it is an action, a way of life. Without love, everything we do is meaningless. With love, even the smallest acts have eternal significance.
Go! And love as Christ loves.
