1 Corinthians 14:1 Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.
As believers, our highest priority is to know the love of God and express that love to others.
1 John 4:7-12 Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love. God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us.
God desires that we express so much love among ourselves that those outside the faith see a reflection of His love through us. He expects us to love one another.
The greatest expression of faith is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). According to 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, you can build the most impressive structures, teach the most profound messages, foretell the future, and give generously—but if you lack love, you have nothing. The things we do for God and for one another are what truly last. On the last day, our deeds will be judged by fire, and only those done in love will endure.
John 13:34-35 So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.
We are not called to love superficially. We are to love as Christ has loved us—intentionally. The true proof of a believer’s faith is not in miraculous signs like healing or speaking in tongues, but in love for one another. It is about having the same heart for each other and for the world.
We are called to imitate God in everything (Ephesians 5:1). This means living a life that reflects Christ. Pursue love as your highest goal in life—showing God’s love to everyone.
What will be the measure of your life when your time on earth is over? Ultimately, it is a heart of love that matters most.
Romans 13:8-11 Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law. This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.
We have a duty to love, which means our love is not based on feelings or whether someone is part of our inner circle. It is an obligation to love others. When someone has a burden, we share in carrying that burden. Loving one another is sacrificial, and it fulfills the law. Walking in love compels us to do what the Lord desires.
It is impossible to love others correctly without first knowing God’s love for us. When we experience His love, we are able to display it to others. Paul’s prayer for the saints was for them to experience the fullness of God’s love (Ephesians 3:14-19). Until you understand God’s love for you, you cannot love others the same way.
God’s love is unconditional, unfailing, and eternal—from beginning to end. Just as a pregnant woman loves her child even before it is born, God’s love for us existed before we were formed. His love is greater than a mother’s; it is intentional and purposeful, given before we did anything—good or bad. This pure, unconditional love is the same sacrificial love we are called to have for others.
Unfortunately, some believers don’t extend this love. They hesitate to help others in need or avoid sharing their resources. Yet, God expects us to carry one another’s burdens, thus fulfilling the law of Christ.
The hallmark of a true believer is to love one another as Christ has loved us. It is an obligation. We owe nothing except to love each other. Let love be your highest goal.
