LOVE, The Greatest Gift
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other.
Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.”  John 13:34 (NLT)

In 1 Corinthians 13 we learn that love is the most essential gift. 

In chapters 12 & 14 Paul discusses a number of gifts that God has given to build up the Body of believers. Apostles, prophets, teachers, miracles, healing, etc.

Paul is saying that all spiritual gifts are nothing without love.

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

I.   v1-3  Love is enriching   

        *  Possessing gifts without love is nothing

          *  Love is more necessary than prophecy,

              knowledge or faith

          *  Love is more important than self-sacrifice

II.  v4-7  Love is edifying    (Galatians 5:22 ,23)

        *  Christian love is Christ like love

          *  Does not envy, does not exhalt itself, not

          prideful, not self seeking, doesn’t rejoice in evil

          *  Christ like love is self- effacing (humble) love

          *  1 Cor. 14:26

          *  Has everything to do with building relationships

          *  This love is a decision of the will- not emotion

          *  1 John 3:18   love with actions; and in truth

III.  v8-13  Love is enduring   “the more excellent way”

        *  Prophecy, knowledge, tongues, etc.  are not

          permanent, but will eventually end.

          *  Love will endure forever

          *  Build walls of trust, break down barriers

Love begins with the family, then naturally spills over to the church family, who then reach out to love others.