1 Corinthians 13 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 *Without love all activity in the church is valueless. Vss. 1-3 - Fluency and eloquence is valueless. - Prophesy and knowledge is valueless. - Faith is valueless. - Benevolence is valueless. - Martyrdom is valueless. LOVE The Doctrine of Love 1. Agape love is the supreme attribute of God. 1 John 4:7-11 2. Agape love is the supreme characteristic of the church. 3. Agape love is a super-natural love. Love flows forth most fully as we come to terms with God’s gracious love for us. LOVE Agape Love in Action – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 1. Other-centered Characteristics Vs. 4 - Patient = long suffering - Kind = useful and generous - Not Jealous = useful and generous APPLICATION: Love actively seeks to bring good into the lives of others. LOVE Agape Love in Action – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 2. Self Effacing Characteristics Vs. 4-5 - Does not brag - Is not arrogant - Is not unbecoming – rude or thoughtless - Is not self seeking APPLICATION: Love actively seeks to bring attention to God, not self. LOVE Agape Love in Action – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 3. Proactive Characteristics Vss. 5-6 - Is not provoked - Does not hold grudges - Rejoices in truth, not sin APPLICATION: Love actively seeks to extend love to unlovely people. LOVE Agape Love in Action – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 4. Protective Characteristics Vs. 7 - Bears all things - Believes all things - Hopes all things - Endures all things APPLICATION: Love act seeks to restore the fallen to right relationship. LOVE Agape Love in Action – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 CONCLUSION: Love never fails. LOVE 1 Corinthians 13