God’s Love Should Flow Out of Our Hearts
1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NIV)
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
5 It does not dishonor others, 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.
1. “Love is patient, love is kind”
- Patient: It endures delays, flaws, or suffering without getting frustrated or giving up.
- Kind: It takes action to help and comfort others in gentle and generous ways.
2. “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud”
- Does not envy: It’s not jealous of others’ success or blessings.
- Does not boast: It doesn’t brag or show off.
- Not proud: It’s humble, not thinking itself better than others.
3. “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs”
- Does not dishonor: It’s respectful; it doesn’t shame or embarrass people.
- Not self-seeking: It’s not selfish; it looks out for others.
- Not easily angered: It doesn’t blow up over small things.
- Keeps no record of wrongs: It forgives. It doesn’t hold grudges or bring up past faults.
4. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth”
- It doesn’t enjoy seeing others fall or be hurt.
- It finds joy in honesty, righteousness, and integrity.
5. “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres”
- Protects: It shields others, emotionally or physically.
- Trusts: It believes the best about people.
- Hopes: It stays optimistic and believes things can improve.
- Perseveres: It doesn’t quit, even when loving gets hard.
Here are 7 practical ways to grow in agape love (the kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13):
1. Spend Time in Prayer and the Word
Agape love flows from God. The more time you spend in His presence, the more His heart becomes yours.
📖 Suggestion: Meditate on 1 Corinthians 13:4–7 regularly. Ask God to help you live it.
2. Practice Patience Daily
Love is patient. This starts with small moments — like staying calm when someone frustrates you or giving someone time to explain themselves.
📝 Challenge: Next time you’re tempted to snap, pause, take a breath, and respond with grace.
3. Forgive Quickly
Agape love “keeps no record of wrongs.” Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it sets your heart free and reflects God’s love.
❤️ Practice: When someone hurts you, tell God about it and choose to forgive — even if your emotions haven’t caught up yet.
4. Serve Others Sacrificially
This love is shown through actions, not just feelings. Look for ways to meet others’ needs, even when it costs you time or comfort.
👐 Example: Help someone move, cook for a sick neighbor, or just listen without interrupting.
5. Ask the Holy Spirit for Help Daily
You can’t love like God without God. Ask Him to grow His love in you.
🙏 Prayer: “Holy Spirit, teach me to love like You. Fill me with Your love for others today.”
6. Love When It’s Hard
Agape love doesn’t depend on feelings. It’s most powerful when shown to difficult people.
🧱 Real Growth: Choose love when someone is rude, ungrateful, or different from you.
7. Be Part of a Faith Community
Love is best learned in relationships. A church or Christian group helps you grow by giving and receiving love, forgiveness, and correction.
👥 Application: Join a small group or serve in your local church — love grows in action.
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