The Value of the Love Principle FINAL

The Value of the Love Principle

*Key Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1–13

1 Corinthians 13:1–13 NKJV

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Introduction

This year, our theme focuses on giving ourselves permission to be blessed. The term *blessed* means to be empowered to succeed. God desires for us to live a full and abundant life, as stated in John 10:10:

*”The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.”*

However, the foundation of a truly blessed life is built on love.

February is recognized both as Black History Month and as the month of love, with Valentine’s Day serving as a global celebration of love and affection. While traditionally centered around romantic love, this month also presents an opportunity to reflect on the broader *Value of the Love Principle* and its role in a fulfilling life.

Thesis: The Significance of Love in a Blessed Life

Many equate a successful or blessed life with external achievements. However, scripture teaches that without love, these things are meaningless. Love influences our inner well-being, strengthens our relationships, and allows us to make a lasting impact.

To understand the *Love Principle*, we turn to Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, where he identifies love as the most important virtue.

Understanding Virtue

A virtue is a moral excellence or characteristic that reflects ethical integrity. Biblically, virtues mirror God’s character. Paul emphasizes three in *1 Corinthians 13*: **faith, hope, and love**—but he declares love as the greatest.

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The Three Foundational Virtues**

1. Faith

*”Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”* (**Hebrews 11:1**)

Faith is essential to a blessed life. It allows us to trust in God’s promises beyond our present circumstances. Romans 5:1-2 explains that we are justified by faith, granting us access to God’s blessings.

2. Hope

*”Christ in you, the hope of glory.”* (**Colossians 1:26–28**)

Hope is a driving force for perseverance and resilience. Through our relationship with God, we can maintain optimism, knowing that our confidence rests in Him.

3. Love: The Greatest Virtue**

Love serves as the foundation for a blessed life. It transforms our identity, edifies us, unites us, and enables us to love others effectively.

I. Love does the inside Job and transforms us from the inside out.

I. How Love Transforms Us**

One of life’s most important questions is: *Who am I?*

Many struggle with their identity, but scripture teaches that understanding who we are begins with knowing God. Embracing His love affirms our identity, builds our confidence, and empowers us to extend love to others.

A. Love Affirms Our Identity in Christ**

What does it mean to affirm?

To affirm means to declare or assert something as true, to confirm or support a statement, idea, or belief through positive acknowledgment. It often involves expressing agreement, approval, or reinforcement of a particular fact or sentiment.

God’s love affirms our value and purpose.

We are created in His image (**Genesis 1-2**).

- God demonstrated His love through Christ, showing us our worth (**1 John 4:9-10**).

- Abiding in God’s love strengthens our identity (**John 15:9**).

John 15:9 ““As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love.”

B. Love Edifies Us**

*”Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies.”* (**1 Corinthians 8:1-3**)

Q. What does it mean to “puff up?”

the type of “puff up” the Apostle Paul is referring to is arrogance.

To Be arrogant is simply Being arrogant is when someone thinks they are better than others and doesn't care about other people's opinions or feelings.

To *edify* means to build up. Love strengthens our self-worth and understanding of God’s plan for our lives.

To edify means to instruct or improve someone morally or intellectually. It often involves building someone up, encouraging them, or providing guidance that leads to a better understanding or personal growth.

Three ways we can edify each other include:

Providing Encouragement: Offering positive words of support and affirmation to help someone feel valued and motivated.

Sharing Knowledge: Teaching or sharing useful information to help someone learn or solve problems effectively.

Modeling Positive Behavior: Leading by example through actions and attitudes that inspire others to emulate and grow positively.

C. Love Unites Us**

*”That their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love...”* (**Colossians 2:1-3**)

Colossians 2:1–3 “For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Love acts as the glue that binds relationships, marriages, and the church community together. A church rooted in love fosters unity rather than division.

II. Love Shapes Our Culture and Relationships**

1. How We Treat Others Influences Our Culture**

“Culture is what defines us. It is what allows people to want to run through walls for you and your organization. It is believing so much in a vision that people will do their best when no one else is watching.” - Patrick Bet David (Choose your enemies wisely).

Culture is shaped by how we interact with ourselves and others. Our values, behaviors, and relationships determine whether we cultivate a culture of respect, wisdom, and growth—or one of division and stagnation.

- **Personal Reflection**: Self-awareness and integrity shape the cultural atmosphere in families, workplaces, and communities.

- **Interpersonal Relationships**: Love fosters unity, while selfishness creates barriers.

- **Collective Influence**: Society is shaped by how we engage in conversation, resolve conflicts, and uphold values.

2. How We Treat People Either Attracts or Repels**

Our actions and attitudes affect the relationships we build. Treating people with kindness and respect creates a welcoming and supportive community, whereas negativity fosters a culture of division.

A recent example from popular media is the movie *Little*, where the protagonist, Jordan Sanders, struggles with relationships due to unresolved wounds from her past. This highlights the importance of self-love and acceptance in shaping how we relate to others.

3. How We Love Others Reflects God’s Love in Us**

*”Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God.”* (**1 John 4:7-12**)

Love is central to God’s nature. His love for us serves as a model for how we should love others.

III. Love is the foundation that enables success in life.

Paul teaches in **1 Corinthians 13** that love is the most enduring virtue. Here’s how it leads to success:

1. Love Cultivates Strong Relationships**

Success in life is deeply connected to relationships. Love fosters trust and collaboration, essential for personal and professional growth.

2. Love Builds Character and Integrity**

Patience, kindness, and humility form the foundation of ethical leadership and meaningful relationships.

3. Love Encourages Perseverance**

Love fuels resilience in facing challenges and setbacks.

4. Love Promotes a Lasting Legacy**

While material achievements fade, love leaves an enduring impact.

Proverbs 13:7 “There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; And one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches.”

Mark 8:36 “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?”

5. Love Aligns Us with God’s Purpose**

True success is not just wealth or status but fulfilling God’s purpose through love.

Conclusion

Paul warns that without love, our actions are like a *noisy gong*—empty and without meaning. Love is what gives substance to our faith and actions. When love is our foundation, we:

- Discover our true identity

- Strengthen our relationships

- Make a lasting impact in our communities

Love is the greatest virtue, the key to living a truly blessed and successful life.