EXPOSITION:
Love is one of the most talked about topics in the world today. Everybody wants to be loved. Children are in need of love likewise adults. The rich want to be loved so do the poor. The diseased seek for love likewise the healthy. Love is synonymous to God according to 1 John 4:16. By implication, it is apparent that everybody longs for a demonstration of love.
Several Greek words can be translated as love. Some of these are ‘agape’, ‘phileo’, ‘storge’ and ‘eros’. In 1 Corinthians 13, ‘agape’ which is the kind of love God Himself demonstrates is what the Bible entreats us to show forth. Agape is defined as the God-kind of love, it is the highest form of love. This is the love God expects us to express towards one another. God Himself demonstrated it and He expects His followers to do likewise. Agape love is not based on emotions or feelings. It is not done with the expectancy to receive something in return. It is sometimes referred to as ‘unconditional love’. Irrespective of race, colour, tribe, tongue or age, God expects all believers to demonstrate this love.
Throughout this week, we will be looking at love and we will be drawing vital lessons from 1 Corinthians 13.