A Portrait of Love – Outline

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A Portrait of Love

- OVERVIEW

Love is at the heart of the Christian life.

Paul explains that spiritual gifts, knowledge, faith, and even great sacrifices are worthless when they are not motivated by love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

..Love gives meaning to everything we do for God and for others.

True Christian love is more than an emotion. It is an attitude that is revealed through our actions, words, and thoughts.

Love is patient and kind. It rejoices in truth, believes, hopes, and endures. At the same time, love does not envy, boast, behave selfishly, or keep a record of wrongs.

Jesus is the perfect example of this love.

This week we will discover what true love does, what it refuses to do, and how the life of Jesus gives us the clearest portrait of God's love.

- SATURDAY – A Portrait of Love

- Memory Text

1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

A N T T R F H A L B T G O T I L

- Lesson

Love is one of the great themes of Paul's writings.

The Greek word family most commonly used in the New Testament for this kind of love appears more than 135 times in Paul's letters.

Paul wanted Christians to understand that love is not simply one part of the Christian life. Love must influence everything we think, say, and do.

The New Testament contains many beautiful passages about God's love, but few are as powerful as 1 Corinthians 13

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

.

Paul explains that even remarkable spiritual gifts are worthless without love – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

..Speaking impressively, understanding great truths, possessing strong faith, giving generously, and making great sacrifices mean nothing if love is missing.

True love is more than an emotion.

Love is an attitude that becomes visible through our actions, words, and treatment of other people.

The perfect example of this kind of love is Jesus.

His entire life revealed God's love. He cared for the suffering, showed patience toward sinners, forgave those who hurt Him, and finally gave His life to save us.

When we look at Jesus, we see what true love really means.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that throughout history God has continually revealed His love and His plan to save humanity.

The sacrifices of the Old Testament pointed forward to Jesus, the coming Redeemer.

Satan has always tried to misrepresent God's character and make people believe that God is harsh and eager to punish.

But the plan of salvation reveals exactly the opposite.

God Himself provided the gift that reconciles sinners to Him.

Everything Jesus said and did during His earthly ministry revealed the Father's infinite love.

Through the patriarchs, prophets, sanctuary services, and finally through Jesus Himself, God continually showed humanity that He lovingly planned to rescue us from sin.

- Conclusion

True love is not merely something we feel or talk about.

It is revealed by what we do.

Jesus is the greatest example of this love because His entire life and sacrifice reveal the loving character of God.

- Reflection

Why is love so important in the Christian life?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Where can we see the clearest example of true love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- SUNDAY – The Essentialness of Love

- Lesson

Paul makes an extraordinary statement about the importance of love.

Spiritual gifts such as tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith, and generosity are valuable gifts from God.

But Paul says that without love, even these good things become worthless – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

..The problem is not with the gifts themselves but with the motivation behind how they are used.

Read 1 Corinthians 13

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

1. Gifts Without Love Are Empty – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

A person may speak impressively, understand great truths, possess remarkable faith, give everything to the poor, or even sacrifice his life.

But without love, these actions have no true spiritual value.

2. Love Changes How We Treat Others – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

True love is patient and kind.

It does not envy, boast, become proud, behave rudely, or selfishly demand its own way.

Love rejoices in truth and continues to believe, hope, and endure.

3. Love Never Ends – 1 Corinthians 13:8-12

KJV 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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.

CEV 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.

Many spiritual gifts serve a particular purpose in this present world.

One day those gifts will no longer be necessary, but love will continue forever.

4. Love Is the Greatest – 1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

Faith, hope, and love are essential to Christian life, but Paul says that love is the greatest.

The love Paul describes is much deeper than simply liking something or feeling affection for another person.

It is not merely romantic love, friendship, charity, or kindness.

This love is a special grace given by the Holy Spirit.

Spirit-filled love directs our actions, feelings, and thoughts toward Christ and toward other people.

It produces affection, kindness, generosity, mercy, and a commitment to seek the good of others.

Jesus warned that love could grow cold when wickedness increased.

Read Matthew 24:12

KJV 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

CEV 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.

1. Wickedness Increases – Matthew 24:12a

KJV 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

CEV 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.

Jesus warned that increasing lawlessness would affect people's relationships and spiritual lives.

2. Love Can Grow Cold – Matthew 24:12b

KJV 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.

CEV 12 Evil will spread and cause many people to stop loving others.

When selfishness and sin increase, people's love for God and one another can gradually disappear.

Christians must therefore guard against allowing love to grow cold in their homes, churches, and communities.

The greatest example is Jesus on the cross.

Christ willingly gave Himself for sinners who did not deserve His sacrifice.

We can never equal the greatness of His love, but through God's grace we can allow that same kind of love to shape the way we treat others.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that the Christian life must continually grow.

Repentance and faith in Jesus are essential, but Christian growth does not stop there.

Our thoughts, affections, and desires should increasingly centre on Christ.

As we know Jesus better, our love for Him should become deeper and stronger.

The Christian life cannot remain spiritually motionless.

God wants us to continue growing toward the character of Christ.

Love for God also affects the way we care for ourselves and use the abilities He has entrusted to us.

Our bodies, minds, talents, and lives belong to God, and we should use them for His service.

A heart filled with hope, love, and joy helps us live the life God intended.

- Conclusion

True Christian love comes from God.

It changes our motives and influences the way we think, speak, and treat other people.

The cross shows us the greatest example of this love.

- Reflection

Why are spiritual gifts worthless when they are not motivated by love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can we keep our love from growing cold?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Who in your life may especially need to experience Christlike love from you?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- MONDAY – What Love Does

- Lesson

1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

is at the heart of Paul's description of love.

Paul does not describe love mainly as a feeling or emotion.

Instead, he uses action words to show how a person filled with Spirit-given love behaves.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

1. Love Is Patient – 1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or

Love remains patient even in difficult circumstances.

It also means being patient and understanding with other people – Ephesians 4:2

KJV 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

CEV 2 Always be humble and gentle. Patiently put up with each other and love each other.

..Instead of quickly becoming frustrated with someone's weaknesses, love gives that person time and grace.

2. Love Is Kind – 1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or

Love treats people with kindness.

The Bible frequently describes God's kindness together with His mercy and compassion – Psalm 145:9

KJV 9 The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works.

CEV 9 You are good to everyone, and you take care of all your creation.

..Our kindness toward others should reflect the kindness God has shown us.

3. Love Rejoices in Truth – 1 Corinthians 13:6

KJV 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

CEV 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.

Love does not find pleasure in wrongdoing.

Instead, it rejoices when truth and goodness succeed.

Love can also share another person's happiness rather than becoming jealous of their blessings.

4. Love Bears All Things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

KJV 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

Love remains strong through difficulties.

Instead of abandoning people when relationships become challenging, genuine love continues to care.

5. Love Believes All Things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

KJV 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

This does not mean believing everything without thinking.

It means giving other people the benefit of the doubt rather than immediately assuming the worst about them.

6. Love Hopes All Things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

KJV 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

Love continues to hope that something good can happen.

It does not quickly give up on another person.

7. Love Endures All Things – 1 Corinthians 13:7

KJV 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

Love remains faithful through hardship.

Paul repeats the idea of endurance to emphasise that love continues believing and hoping even during difficult circumstances.

These characteristics of love are closely connected with the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit.

Read Galatians 5:22-23

KJV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

CEV 22 God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.

1. The Spirit Produces Love – Galatians 5:22

KJV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

CEV 22 God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful,

Love does not naturally grow from selfish human hearts.

It is produced in us by the Holy Spirit.

2. The Spirit Changes Our Character – Galatians 5:22-23

KJV 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

CEV 22 God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, 23 gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways.

Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control naturally support the kind of love Paul describes.

True Christian love therefore becomes visible in everyday life.

It can be seen in the patience we show difficult people, the kindness of our words, the way we respond when someone succeeds, and our willingness to continue hoping for people instead of giving up on them.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God's truth should transform a Christian's character.

A person who truly has the Spirit of Christ will increasingly reveal Christ through kind words, courtesy, patience, and consideration for others.

External behaviour reveals what is happening within the heart.

Someone may claim to follow Christ, but harsh, rude, overbearing, and constantly critical behaviour does not represent Jesus.

True happiness is not found in selfishly pleasing ourselves.

It grows as we faithfully fulfil our responsibilities and bring happiness to other people.

Kind words, pleasant expressions, encouragement, and simple acts of courtesy can have a powerful influence.

The love of Christ within the heart makes our words gentle and our behaviour attractive.

We do not create this love merely by forcing ourselves to love others.

When Christ's love fills the heart, genuine love begins to flow naturally toward other people.

Patient kindness and encouragement can often accomplish much more than criticism and fault-finding.

- Conclusion

True love cannot remain hidden.

When the Holy Spirit fills our lives, love becomes visible through patience, kindness, truth, faith, hope, and endurance.

- Reflection

Why does Paul describe love mainly through actions rather than feelings?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean for love to “believe all things”?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can you show greater patience and kindness this week?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- TUESDAY – What Love Does Not Do

- Lesson

After describing several things love does, Paul also explains what genuine love refuses to do.

These negative characteristics are important because selfish attitudes can easily damage relationships and divide the church.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

1. Love Does Not Envy – 1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or

It is good to desire spiritual gifts – 1 Corinthians 14:1

KJV 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

CEV 1 Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy.

..But it is wrong to become jealous of people who possess gifts or abilities that we do not have.

Envy produces competition and division.

Love can appreciate another person's gifts without feeling threatened.

2. Love Does Not Boast – 1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or

Love does not continually draw attention to itself or seek praise from other people.

It serves without needing recognition.

3. Love Is Not Proud – 1 Corinthians 13:4

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or

Knowledge can make people proud, but love builds people up – 1 Corinthians 8:1

KJV 1 Now as touching things offered unto idols, we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth.

CEV 1 In your letter you asked me about food offered to idols. All of us know something about this subject. But knowledge makes us proud of ourselves, while love makes us helpful to others.

..True love does not make us feel more important than others.

4. Love Does Not Behave Rudely – 1 Corinthians 13:5

KJV 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

CEV 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.

Love treats other people with respect.

Arrogant, shameful, dishonourable, or inconsiderate behaviour has no place in Christlike relationships.

5. Love Does Not Seek Its Own Way – 1 Corinthians 13:5

KJV 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

CEV 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.

Love does not constantly demand its own rights.

Instead, Christians should seek what is good for other people – 1 Corinthians 10:24

KJV 24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.

CEV 24 We should think about others and not about ourselves.

..When everyone cares about the needs and rights of others, everyone benefits.

6. Love Is Not Easily Irritated – 1 Corinthians 13:5

KJV 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

CEV 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.

Love is not short-tempered or easily offended.

Instead of reacting angrily to every difficulty, love responds with patience.

7. Love Keeps No Record of Wrongs – 1 Corinthians 13:5

KJV 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

CEV 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.

Love does not maintain a mental account of everything another person has done wrong.

Genuine love includes forgiveness.

8. Love Does Not Delight in Wrongdoing – 1 Corinthians 13:6

KJV 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

CEV 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.

When we truly love someone, we do not secretly enjoy seeing that person fail.

Instead, we want to help them overcome their mistakes and grow.

Paul's description challenges us to examine our own attitudes.

It is easy to recognise envy, pride, selfishness, anger, or unforgiveness in other people.

It is much harder to recognise these things within ourselves.

The Holy Spirit wants to remove these attitudes and replace them with the character of Christ.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that genuinely righteous people do not constantly call attention to their goodness.

Just as a healthy person does not continually announce that he is healthy, a genuine Christian does not need to advertise his spiritual achievements.

When God's love fills the heart, doing Christlike things becomes increasingly natural.

Such a person willingly serves God and others without continually seeking recognition.

Pride, envy, suspicion, and self-exaltation reveal that Christ's love has not yet gained full control of the heart.

When Christ truly lives within us, the change becomes visible in our spirit, words, and actions.

His followers increasingly reveal the qualities of His character rather than trying to exalt themselves.

- Conclusion

True love is not centred on ourselves.

It does not envy, boast, demand its own way, quickly become angry, remember every wrong, or rejoice when others fail.

Christlike love seeks the good of others.

- Reflection

Why is envy especially dangerous in the church?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean that love keeps no record of wrongs?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Which selfish attitude might God be asking you to surrender?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- WEDNESDAY – A Portrait of Jesus

- Lesson

When we read Paul's description of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

, we may become discouraged.

We realise that we do not always show patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, hope, and endurance.

But there is Someone who perfectly demonstrated every characteristic of love.

Jesus.

Paul's description of love is really a beautiful portrait of the character of Christ.

Read John 13:1, 34

KJV 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

CEV 34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.

; John 15:9, 12

KJV 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

CEV 12 Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you.

; 1 Timothy 1:14

KJV 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

CEV 14 Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like his own.

; 2 Timothy 1:7, 13

KJV 13 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.

CEV 13 Now follow the example of the correct teaching I gave you, and let the faith and love of Christ Jesus be your model.

; 1 John 3:16

KJV 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

CEV 16 We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other.

; and 1 John 4:7-12, 19-21

KJV 19 We love him, because he first loved us. 20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

CEV 19 We love because God loved us first. 20 But if we say we love God and don't love each other, we are liars. We cannot see God. So how can we love God, if we don't love the people we can see? 21 The commandment that God has given us is: “Love God and love each other!”

1. God Is Love – 1 John 4:7-12

KJV 7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. 9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. 10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

CEV 7 My dear friends, we must love each other. Love comes from God, and when we love each other, it shows we have been given new life. We are now God's children, and we know him. 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him. 9 God showed his love for us when he sent his only Son into the world to give us life. 10 Real love isn't our love for God, but his love for us. God sent his Son to be the sacrifice by which our sins are forgiven. 11 Dear friends, since God loved us this much, we must love each other. 12 No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is truly in our hearts.

Love comes from God because love is part of His very character.

God showed His love by sending His Son so that we could receive eternal life through Him.

2. Jesus Commands Us to Love – John 13:34

KJV 34 A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

CEV 34 But I am giving you a new command. You must love each other, just as I have loved you.

Jesus tells His followers to love one another in the same way that He has loved them.

His love becomes the example for our relationships.

3. Jesus Loves Us as the Father Loves Him – John 15:9, 12

KJV 12 This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you.

CEV 12 Now I tell you to love each other, as I have loved you.

Jesus invites us to remain in His love and then share that love with others.

Christian love begins with receiving Christ's love ourselves.

4. Jesus Gave His Life for Us – 1 John 3:16

KJV 16 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

CEV 16 We know what love is because Jesus gave his life for us. This is why we must give our lives for each other.

The cross gives us one of the clearest definitions of love.

Jesus willingly gave His life for us, and His followers are called to show the same self-sacrificing spirit toward others.

God is love – 1 John 4:8

KJV 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

CEV 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.

..Because Jesus perfectly reveals the Father, His life shows us what God's love looks like in action.

If we want to understand the description of love in 1 Corinthians 13

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others. 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

, we should look carefully at Jesus.

Jesus Is Patient

Jesus showed extraordinary patience toward sinful people.

Paul himself experienced this patience. Although he had persecuted Christians, Jesus showed him mercy and transformed his life – 1 Timothy 1:14-16

KJV 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. 16 Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting.

CEV 14 Christ Jesus our Lord treated me with undeserved grace and has greatly blessed my life with faith and love just like his own. 15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” This saying is true, and it can be trusted. I was the worst sinner of all! 16 But since I was worse than anyone else, God had mercy on me and let me be an example of the endless patience of Christ Jesus. He did this so that others would put their faith in Christ and have eternal life.

..Christ sees not only what people are now but what they can become through His grace.

Jesus Is Kind

The Bible describes the Lord as kind – 1 Peter 2:3

KJV 3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.

CEV 3 You have already found out how good the Lord really is.

..Jesus repeatedly showed kindness to the sick, lonely, rejected, sinful, and suffering.

His kindness reveals the compassionate character of God.

Jesus Rejoices in Truth

Jesus found joy in doing His Father's will and remaining in His Father's love – John 15:9-11

KJV 9 As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. 10 If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. 11 These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.

CEV 9 I have loved you, just as my Father has loved me. So remain faithful to my love for you. 10 If you obey me, I will keep loving you, just as my Father keeps loving me, because I have obeyed him. 11 I have told you this to make you as completely happy as I am.

..His life was completely committed to truth.

Jesus Endures All Things

Jesus endured rejection, suffering, hostility, and finally the cross – Hebrews 12:2-3

KJV 2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.

CEV 2 We must keep our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete. He endured the shame of being nailed to a cross, because he knew later on he would be glad he did. Now he is seated at the right side of God's throne! 3 So keep your mind on Jesus, who put up with many insults from sinners. Then you won't get discouraged and give up.

..He remained faithful because of the joy and salvation that His sacrifice would bring.

No one has endured more for others than Jesus.

Jesus Believes and Hopes

Jesus sees possibilities in people that others often cannot see.

When Ananias doubted whether Saul could really have changed, Jesus said that Saul was His chosen instrument – Acts 9:13-15

KJV 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:

CEV 13 Ananias replied, “Lord, a lot of people have told me about the terrible things this man has done to your followers in Jerusalem. 14 Now the chief priests have given him the power to come here and arrest anyone who worships in your name.” 15 The Lord said to Ananias, “Go! I have chosen him to tell foreigners, kings, and the people of Israel about me.

..Jesus knew what Saul could become through God's transforming power.

The more clearly we see Jesus, the more clearly we understand love.

And the closer we come to Jesus, the more His love can become visible in us.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God's law reflects His character.

God is love, and the great principles of His law are love toward God and love toward other people.

Human beings were originally created in God's image, but sin damaged that image and separated humanity from Him.

God therefore gave His Son so that sinners could be reconciled to Him.

Through Christ, our hearts can be renewed and God's character can again be developed within us.

Everything good that God gives is an expression of His love.

The gift of Jesus provides the greatest revelation of the Father's heart.

God could not have given more than He gave in sending His Son for us.

Jesus shows that God is a God of truth, justice, mercy, patience, compassion, and love.

- Conclusion

If we want to know what true love looks like, we should look at Jesus.

His patience, kindness, sacrifice, faithfulness, and mercy perfectly reveal the love of God.

As we remain close to Him, He can reproduce that same love in our lives.

- Reflection

Why is Jesus the perfect portrait of love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does the cross teach us about true love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can looking at Jesus help us become more loving?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- THURSDAY – Faith, Hope, and Love

- Lesson

Paul's description of love presents a high standard.

Love is patient, kind, joyful in truth, believing, hopeful, and enduring.

It does not envy, boast, become proud, behave rudely, seek its own way, become easily irritated, keep records of wrongs, or rejoice in wrongdoing.

The Corinthians struggled with many of these very problems.

They experienced envy, pride, boasting, selfishness, arguments, and division.

Paul was not simply writing a beautiful description of love.

He was showing the Corinthians how completely their behaviour needed to change.

The same description challenges Christians today.

After explaining what love does and does not do, Paul points to something else remarkable about love.

Love will never end.

Read 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

KJV 8 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. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 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. 12 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. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. 11 When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways. 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

1. Love Never Fails – 1 Corinthians 13:8

KJV 8 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.

CEV 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten.

Spiritual gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and special knowledge have important purposes now.

But they will not always be needed.

Love, however, will continue forever.

2. Our Knowledge Is Incomplete – 1 Corinthians 13:9-10

KJV 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

CEV 9 We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. 10 But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear.

Our present understanding of God and His purposes is limited.

One day, when God's plan reaches its fulfilment, the temporary gifts needed in this sinful world will have completed their purpose.

3. One Day We Will See Clearly – 1 Corinthians 13:12

KJV 12 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.

CEV 12 Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us.

Now our understanding is incomplete, as though we are looking through an imperfect reflection.

But one day we will see Jesus face-to-face.

Then we will understand far more clearly.

4. Faith, Hope, and Love Remain – 1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

Faith, hope, and love are central to the Christian life.

But Paul says that love is the greatest of the three.

When Jesus returns, faith will become sight – 2 Corinthians 5:7

KJV 7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight: )

CEV 7 But we live by faith, not by what we see.

..We will finally see the One in whom we have trusted.

Much of what we hope for will also become reality – Romans 8:24

KJV 24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?

CEV 24 And this hope is what saves us. But if we already have what we hope for, there is no need to keep on hoping.

..Christ will have returned, sin will be defeated, and God's people will live with Him.

But love will continue forever because love belongs to the eternal character of God.

God does not merely show love.

God is love – 1 John 4:8

KJV 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

CEV 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.

..That is why love is greater than every temporary spiritual gift.

There is also a sense in which faith and hope will continue throughout eternity.

The redeemed will always trust God, and there will always be new joys and discoveries to anticipate in His eternal kingdom.

But God's love will remain supreme.

Very soon God's people will see Jesus face-to-face.

Until then, faith, hope, and love should define the way we live.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that God's Word contains truth that prepares people for eternity.

Christians are called to stand faithfully for that truth even when error and unbelief surround them.

Every ability we possess belongs to God because He created and redeemed us.

He expects us to use those abilities faithfully for His purposes.

Faith looks beyond discouraging circumstances and holds onto the power of God.

Faith, hope, and love work together and bring light into a spiritually dark world.

Christ's life gives the perfect expression of this love.

He loved sinful and broken people without becoming tired of showing mercy.

His patience did not disappear when people rejected Him.

Those who are filled with Christ's love will seek to help the helpless, encourage the discouraged, and lead people toward God.

- Conclusion

Spiritual gifts have important purposes, but their work will eventually be completed.

Faith and hope shape our Christian lives as we wait for Jesus.

But love is greatest because love reflects the eternal character of God Himself.

- Reflection

Why will some spiritual gifts eventually no longer be needed?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why does Paul say that love is the greatest?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can faith, hope, and love shape your life today?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- FRIDAY – Further Thought

- Lesson

This week's study has shown that love is much more than a feeling.

Love is a Spirit-given way of living that changes our attitudes, words, and actions.

We may have great knowledge, strong faith, impressive spiritual gifts, or even make great sacrifices. But without genuine love, these things lose their true value – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

..Love must be the motivation behind everything we do for God and others.

Paul's description of love gives us a practical picture of Christian character.

Love is patient and kind. It rejoices in truth, believes, hopes, and endures.

Love does not envy, boast, become proud or rude, insist on its own way, become easily irritated, keep a record of wrongs, or rejoice when others do wrong – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

..This kind of love can come only from a heart being transformed by Christ.

That is why Paul later tells Christians to "pursue love" – 1 Corinthians 14:1

KJV 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

CEV 1 Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy.

..Love is something we should deliberately seek and practise.

The perfect example is Jesus.

His life shows us what true love looks like, and His love can transform the way we treat one another.

- EGW Notes (Paraphrased)

Ellen White explains that religious profession, great faith, generosity, and even extraordinary sacrifice are worthless if genuine love is missing.

True Christianity fills the whole person with the love that comes from Christ.

This love affects our thoughts, our hearts, our words, our hands, and the way we live.

Christ's love especially moves us to care for people who are spiritually lost, discouraged, hurting, or in need.

Only the love that comes from Jesus can truly heal wounded hearts.

When His love lives within us, it becomes a powerful influence for restoring people and bringing believers together.

- Conclusion

Love is not simply one Christian quality among many.

It is at the heart of genuine Christian living.

Jesus perfectly demonstrated this love, and through the Holy Spirit He wants to develop the same love within us.

As we remain close to Christ, His patience, kindness, humility, forgiveness, hope, and endurance can increasingly become visible in our lives.

- Reflection

Why are spiritual gifts and good deeds not enough without love?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does it mean to "pursue love"?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can Christ's love help heal wounded people?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Paul gives seven positive characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

. What other characteristics of Christlike love could you add?

Reveal Suggested Answer

What does Paul mean when he tells us to "pursue love" – 1 Corinthians 14:1

KJV 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

CEV 1 Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy.

..How can we do this practically?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Which characteristic of love in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

do you most need to practise? Which characteristics does your local church especially need?

Reveal Suggested Answer

Why does Paul compare love with gifts such as prophecy, tongues, and knowledge – 1 Corinthians 13:8

KJV 8 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.

CEV 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten.

..What does this teach us about spiritual gifts?

Reveal Suggested Answer

How can love help overcome division within a church?

Reveal Suggested Answer

- LESSON SUMMARY

A Portrait of Love

Love is at the heart of genuine Christianity.

Paul explains that even remarkable spiritual gifts, knowledge, faith, generosity, and sacrifice have little value when love is missing – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

KJV 1 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. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

CEV 1 What if I could speak all languages of humans and even of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 What if I could prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. 3 What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.

..Everything we do for God and others should flow from love.

True love is shown through actions.

Love is patient and kind. It rejoices in truth, bears, believes, hopes, and endures. It does not envy, boast, become proud or rude, insist on its own way, become easily irritated, keep records of wrongs, or rejoice in wrongdoing – 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

KJV 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

CEV 4 Love is patient and kind, never jealous, boastful, proud, or 5 rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. 6 Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. 7 Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.

..These qualities describe the kind of character the Holy Spirit wants to develop within us.

Jesus is the perfect portrait of this love.

His life revealed God's patience, kindness, mercy, truth, sacrifice, hope, and endurance. If we want to understand what love really means, we should look at Jesus.

Spiritual gifts will eventually complete their purpose, but love will never end – 1 Corinthians 13:8

KJV 8 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.

CEV 8 Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten.

..Faith, hope, and love are central to Christian life, but the greatest is love because God Himself is love – 1 Corinthians 13:13

KJV 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

CEV 13 For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.

; 1 John 4:8

KJV 8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

CEV 8 God is love, and anyone who doesn't love others has never known him.

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Our calling, therefore, is simple but challenging:

Pursue love – 1 Corinthians 14:1

KJV 1 Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy.

CEV 1 Love should be your guide. Be eager to have the gifts that come from the Holy Spirit, especially the gift of prophecy.

..As we remain close to Jesus and allow His Spirit to change us, His love can increasingly be seen in our homes, churches, and relationships.