Introduction

A. Of all the marvelous things with which God has blessed mankind, love is without a doubt the greatest (1 Corinthians 13:13).

B. Is it any wonder then that Peter would save this for last in his list of virtues to add to our Christian character?

C. You might be a loving person, but there is always room to grow.

I. When we talk about love, what are we talking about?

A. Learning how to love is a process of slow and steady growth (Ephesians 5:29; Matthew 5:43-47).

B. We are to love our enemies just as God does (Matthew 5:45), our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), and our God with all our hearts (Matthew 22:37).

C. We must learn to love the things that God loves (cf. 1 John 2:15-16).

II. Love really is the crowning virtue.

A. The one who learns how to love will not stumble (2 Peter 1:10; 1 John 2:10-11).

B. When we learn to love, other virtues come quite naturally (Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:4-5; 1 John 4:20-21).

C. The faithful Christian is always growing in love (John 21:15-17; 2 Peter 3:18).

Conclusion

A. Love would have you to keep God’s Word (John 14:15) and to share it with others (Ephesians 4:15; Philippians 1:17).

B. Have you been growing in your love for God and man?