Yesterday’s message was the second in The Love Chapter series from 1 Corinthians 13. The message was called, The Character of Love, taken from verses 4-7.

1 Corinthians 13:4-7 – 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. (NIV)

The main idea of the message was, that if God will measure our lives according to the standard of love, then we had better understand what love truly is. Here is a brief recap of the message:

1) First, Paul describes love positively – he tells us what love is. (verse 4a)
      – Love is patient (bearing with each other’s faults).
      – Love is kind (actively seeking the good of another).

2) Then, Paul describes love negatively – he tells us what love is not. (verses 4b-5)
      – Love does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
      – Love is not rude, it is not self-seeking.
      – Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

3) Next, Paul describes love with a contrasting statement. (verse 6)
      – Love does not delight in evil, but rather
      – Love rejoices with the truth.

4) Finally, Paul tells us four things that love always does (verse 7)
      – Love always protects.
      – Love always trusts.
      – Love always hopes.
      – Love always perseveres.

How do you compare with this list? Most of us fall far short. The qualities Paul has described here are really the fruit of the Holy Spirit in your life. It is only as you yield to God and his Spirit asking him to change you that he will make you into a more loving person.

Jesus is the only one who truly fulfills this beautiful picture of love. Rather than get discouraged over your own shortcomings, cast yourself upon Christ who is perfect love. Meditate on the beauty of his character. And let God do his work in your life, transforming you ever more into the likeness of Christ by the power of his Spirit. That is the secret to growing in love.

Note: To read the complete message, go to the Sermons tab at the top of the blog.