What is Love?
Quinquagesima – 3/2/2025 Corinthians 13:1-13
Rev. Christopher W. Brademeyer
__________________________________________________________________________________
That portion from God’s holy Word for consideration this morning is our Epistle lesson from St. Paul’s First Epistle to the Corinthians, with special emphasis on verse thirteen, which reads as follows:
“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”[1]
Thus far the Scriptures.
In the Name of the Father and of the + Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Introduction
Love. It is a word used so frequently that it has almost lost its meaning. The world talks about love as a feeling, as an attraction, as something that “just happens.” But what does God say about love? Today, we turn to St. Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13, one of the most famous passages in all of Scripture, to understand what true love is.
The Context of 1 Corinthians
Paul wrote this letter to the Christian Church in Corinth, a bustling city in what is now modern-day Greece. Corinth was an important trade and port city, a melting pot of cultures, and a place known for its indulgence and immorality. It had a reputation much like Las Vegas or Atlantic City today—a place of excess, idolatry, and pleasure-seeking. It was home to many religious cults, including a major cult of Aphrodite, and hosted sporting events akin to the modern Olympics.
Paul, formerly Saul—a Pharisee and fierce persecutor of Christians—had been brought to faith by an encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus. Now, as an apostle, he wrote this letter around AD 55 to remind the Corinthian believers of the faith he had taught them. Up to this point in his letter, Paul had addressed issues of unity, the Lord’s Supper, the pastoral office, and the perfect work of Christ. Then, in chapter 12, he discussed the various offices and spiritual gifts given for the up-building of the Church.
But in chapter 13, Paul turns to the foundation upon which all these things must rest: love.
Love as the Greatest Virtue
Paul tells us that faith, hope, and love abide, but the greatest of these is love. Why? Because while faith and hope are fulfilled in eternity—when we finally see God face to face—love endures forever. Faith is the means by which we receive God’s grace. Hope clings to His promises. But love reflects the very character of God Himself. As St. John writes, “God is love”.[2] To understand love, we must look to Christ, for He is love incarnate.
What Is Love?
Love, according to Scripture, is not simply a feeling or an emotion. Love is action. Love is sacrifice. Love is giving of oneself for the good of another. Jesus Himself is the perfect example of love, for He laid down His life for us while we were still sinners.[3] Love means listening to God, conforming our lives to His Word, and living sacrificially for our neighbor.
Consider parents who give up things they want for the sake of their children. Maybe it’s something as small as giving up Valentine’s candy so their child can enjoy it, or something as significant as sacrificing time, energy, and comfort to care for them. Love always seeks the good of the other, even at personal cost.
Love and Truth
Paul also reminds us that love is not apart from truth. He writes in verse 6, “Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.” Our culture often equates love with acceptance and affirmation, even when that means ignoring sin. But real love does not lie. Real love speaks truth, even when it is difficult, because truth and love cannot be separated.
Some say that focusing on doctrine is unloving, that we should prioritize love over theological precision. But this is a false dichotomy. If we truly love Christ, we will care about what He says. Doctrine is nothing less than the teaching about who Jesus is and what He has done. Ignoring His Word in the name of love is not true love at all.
Love in Contrast to the World
The world’s definition of love often contradicts God’s. The world says:
Love is about affirmation, even if it means ignoring moral and spiritual harm.
Love is effortless; it just happens.
Love is primarily about feelings.
But God’s Word tells us that:
Love is rooted in truth.
Love is an act of the will, not just an emotion.
Love requires effort, sacrifice, and self-denial.
Conclusion
As Christians, one of our defining characteristics is love. Faith receives salvation. Hope clings to God’s promises. But love—the very nature of God—makes us to be more like Christ. This love is not self-serving, but self-giving. It does not seek its own, but the good of others. It does not ignore the truth but rejoices in it.
In Christ, we see perfect love. And in Him, we are called to love as He has loved us. May God grant us His grace to live in this love, now and forever.
In the holy Name of + Jesus. Amen.
The peace of God, which passes all understanding, keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Amen.
[1] 1 Corinthians 13:13 English Standard Version
[2] 1 John 4:8
[3] Romans 5:8
Comments