Love; Spiritual Lifestyle

SPIRITUAL CHARACTER

LOVE: THE SPIRITUAL LIFESTYLE

TEXT:                                                   1 Corinthians 13:1-7

13:1 IF I (can) speak in the tongues of men and (even) of angels, but have no love, (that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotions such as is inspired by God’s love for and in us) I am only a noisy or a clanging cymbal (AMP).

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.(KJV)

A. INTRODUCTION

-To be a Christian, by definition, is to be united to Christ by faith.

-It is by this union with Christ that we all (body parts) become united to each other making His body.

-Jesus is the one that binds us together with one cord of LOVE.

- In this union we feel for each other, we share one another’s suffering, and rejoice with one another in one’s humour (Romans 12: 15).

- LOVE requires that we do well to one another, especially to those of the household of FAITH.

-Love is the bond of perfectness (Colossians 3:14) or complete growth.

B. PRESENTATION

1. ONLY LOVE COUNTS (1-3)

In this passage Apostle Paul emphasizes that the most excellent way to exercise our spiritual gift is by the act of love.

-LOVE must be the principle governing our spiritual endeavours and manifestations.

-When we earnestly desire spiritual gifts, we must do so with a desire that we help, comfort and bless others.

-Only love gives value to the exercise of any of the spiritual gifts.

-Exercising faith, gifts, and achieves much in this life, but all these without love make you just like a pagan.

2. THE 9 INGREDIENTS OF LOVE

Love is the natural character and the lifestyle of spirit that should be lived at all times. It triumphs in nine superb characteristics.

I. PATIENCE: Love is passive (vv4, 7)

-Love is not in a hurry.

-It suffers long and endures (put up with everything).

-It does not complain, but patiently bears all things.

-It believes and hopes all things.

II, KINDNESS: Love in Action (v4).

NOTE: Kindness is the second side of Divine attitude towards humankind.

-Love never acts rashly nor insolently (lacks no respect).

-Love is not inconsistent, but it understands.

-It is never puffed up or proud, but humble.

-Does not display itself haughtily.

III. GENEROSITY: Love in Competition (v4).

-Love is not envious of others’ achievements and gifts. It does not boil up with jealous.

-It does not compete with others.

IV. HUMILITY: Love in Hiding (v5).

-Love does not parade itself (not airs itself). It is forgetful of itself and thoughtful of others.

-Love works, and then retires; fruits are self evidence.

V. COURTESY (POLITE): Love in Sincerity (v5).

-Does not behave unseeingly (improperly).

-It is at home with people of all classes.

-It is never rude or discourteous.

VI. UNSELFISH: Love In Essence/ True Image (v5).

-Never seeks for her own, but seeks well of others.

-It does not retaliate or seeks vengeance.

VII. GOOD TEMPER: Love in Disposition-natural behaviour-(v5)

-LOVE is not provoked easily, embittered by abuse, insults or injuries.

-Takes no account of evil nor pays attentionto a suffered wrong.

VIII. RIGHTEOUSNESS: Love In Conduct (vv6, 7).

-Hates sin and any injustice and holds to righteousness (Romans 12:9).

-Does not gossip about others mistakes.

-Glades in goodness to others and in truth.

-Always slow to expose others.

-Eager to believe the best.

-Helpful and enduring.

IX. SINCERITY: Love Profession

-LOVE never fades out or becomes absolvent/ends.

-Never boastful and conceited.

-Never hypocrite but honest.

-Leaves no impression but what is sincerely true.

-Not self assertive

-Not blazes out in passionate anger.

-Knows how to be silent.

-Always present where needed.

NOTE: Every believer must seek to grow in this kind of love.

C.  CONCLUSION (v13)

REMEMBER: Out of these three things-Love, Hope And Faith-which will abide forever, LOVE surpasses all.

-Love alone counts because it makes us like GOD (1 John 4:7).

-Love is greater than everything whether physical or spiritual.

-How do you live your Christian life?

-DOES IT SHOW ITSELF AS SPIRITUAL LIFESTYLE?

CALL: If you are convinced (as I did) that you have never experience genuine love in your spiritual life as per explained above, Ask God with me to forgive you and transform your life today.

Authored by Pastor Blackson Makhumba Banda- B.Th.