Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:7–8

Introduction

A. What would you say is the greatest thing in all the world?

B. We can easily cross vain things off the list, but Paul eliminates even essential things like faith, putting love above all else (1 Corinthians 13:13).

C. What is it about love that puts it into a category all by itself?

Discussion

I. According to God’s word, there is nothing greater than love.

A. Paul contrasts love with other great things such as eloquence (1 Corinthians 13:1), miraculous gifts (v 2), faith (v 2), charity (v 3), and sacrifice (v 3).

B. Love consists of nine essential ingredients, including patience, kindness, humility, and sincerity (vv 4–6).

C. Love is the greatest thing because of its abiding nature (vv 8, 13).

D. Paul is not alone in identifying love as the supreme thing (1 Peter 4:7–8; 1 John 4:8; John 13:33–35).

II. Love is the perfect solution for all of life’s problems.

A. It was the right solution for all of Corinth’s problems (cf. 1 Corinthians 1:10–13; 3:1–4; 5:1–2; 6:1; 8:9–12; 12:15–31).

B. Love is perfect (1 Corinthians 13:8–10).

C. No matter what the problem may be, love always offers us the best possible solution.

Conclusion

A. God’s definition of love is obviously quite different from man’s.

B. The greatest thing you can ever have is yours for the taking today if you will simply accept it from the hand of the Lord.