Love, the More Excellent Way

Love, the More Excellent Way

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1–8; John 13:34–35; Romans 15:1–3

Key Verse: “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.” — John 13:34–35

Faith and boldness matter, but Scripture warns that without love they mean nothing: “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” (1 Corinthians 13:2). Bold faith without love can become harsh and proud. Love keeps our faith and boldness Christlike.

Jesus said the world would recognize His followers by their love, not by their buildings, their talents, or even their doctrine, as important as that is. And He set the standard high: “as I have loved you.” That means love that serves, forgives, sacrifices, and keeps going.

Paul shows how love and pleasing God fit together: “We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. For even Christ pleased not himself” (Romans 15:1–3). Loving others in this way is a fragrant offering to God: “And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour” (Ephesians 5:2). When we love one another, God is pleased.

Reflect: Read 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 and put your own name in place of “charity.” Which phrases are hardest to say honestly?

Life Application: Choose one person this week, especially someone who’s hard to love, and show them Christlike love in a practical way: a phone call, a meal, a note of encouragement, an act of service, or forgiving a past hurt. Put someone else’s good ahead of your own comfort.

Prayer: Father, thank You for loving me when I was unlovable. Fill my heart with Your love so I can love others as Jesus loved me. Let my love be a sweet-smelling sacrifice that pleases You and shows the world that I belong to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.