“And now faith, hope, and love remain, these three, and the greatest of these is love.”
(1 Corinthians 13:13, NRSVue)
This Sunday, I’m preaching on one of the most profound verses in the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13:13. The larger context of verses in chapter thirteen (1- 13) provides some of the most uncomplicated, straightforward, yet challenging words in scripture. In a world where love is often reduced to fleeting emotions or referred to as how we feel about things (cookies, money, vacation spots, etc.), the Bible challenges us to see love as something deeper and more transformative.
Sunday morning, I’ll focus on what it truly means to love God and love others—fulfilling the two greatest commandments that Jesus calls us to live by. Loving God goes beyond words or rituals; it calls for a heartfelt relationship with him, obedience to his will, and trust in how God is at work in the world. It’s about aligning our hearts with what’s important to God and acting courageously, promoting the values and principles of God’s kingdom. It’s about allowing gratitude for his grace to overflow so that joy constantly accompanies our love for God.
But love doesn’t stop there. It’s incomplete if it doesn’t extend to others. Paul’s description of love in 1 Corinthians 13—that it is patient, kind, and not self-seeking—vividly describes what love for others should look like. Loving others means serving selflessly, practicing empathy, freely forgiving, and working toward unity. It means seeing others through God’s eyes, even when it’s hard.
As we explore the meaning of love as Paul presents it, we will consider practical ways to live out this call to love daily. How do we nurture a deeper love for God in the busyness of life? How do we reflect his love in our interactions with family, friends, coworkers, and strangers?
Expect to be challenged to see love not as a feeling but as a choice—an intentional, ongoing decision to reflect God’s character in every aspect of our lives.
Join us as we uncover the beauty and power of love that remains steadfast and true—namely, God’s love for us. Let’s grow together in faith, hope, and, most importantly, love.