05/04/2026
THE ESSENCE OF LOVE IN CHRISTENDOM.
— 1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8
INTRO: At times, we do apply love wrongly. You know, "when the usefulness of a thing is not known abuse becomes inevitable." The essence of love in Christendom is not just an emotion or moral idea _ it's the very nature of God shown through action, sacrifice and relationship. In Christianity, love is foundational to belief, behavior and purpose.
DEFINITION OF TERMS:
# ESSENCE — a significant characteristic of something.
# LOVE — a strong affection: benevolence concern, a feeling of intense attraction and /or a deep and abiding liking for something/someone.
# CHRISTENDOM — the fold of Christ which is made of all those who had been baptized into Christ - Gal.3:27 and Acts 2:47.
...... reading of the text (1 Cor.13:1-8).......
" Love is the lifeline of Christianity."
Eight(8) ways to knowing the essence of love in Christendom;
1. THE NATURE OF GOD: the main Christian Christian teaching is the truth that God is love. Which means; (i) Love is not just something God does _ it is who He is. (ii) Every act of God ( be it creation, salvation, judgement) is rooted in love. This understanding set Christian-love apart from ordinary human affection _ it's divine in origin(nature) - 1 John 4:8.
2. THE LOVE IS REVEALED THOUGH CHRIST: the cleanest expression of love in Christendom is seen in the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ;
(i) His teachings point people to the love for God and neighbors (Matt.22:37-39).
(ii) Christ's actions show compassion to the poor, the sick and the rejected (Matt. 4:23-24).
(iii) His death on the cross depicts sacrificial love _ giving His life for humanity (John 3:16).
This is the concept of love(agape) needed in Christendom _ selfless, unconditional and sacrificial in nature _ Luke 6:34-35
3. THE OUTSTANDING LOVE: Christian theology often describes different kinds of love;
* Agape (unconditional, selfless love) * Philia (brotherly and friendship love) *Eros (romantic which is for the the married) * Storge (family love).
Agape love stands out among them, directing and showing Christians how to apply the love.
4. LOVE AS A COMMAND: Love is optional in Christendom, it is commanded:
∆ "Power is only in the hands of love." It's because of love, God gave us power to become sons of God (1 John 3:1). So that we reciprocate the love by; * loving God completely * loving our neighbors * and loving even our enemies (Matt. 5:44).
This high-level of command distinguishes Christian ethics from ordinary man _ it goes beyond being fair into becoming grace and mercy!
5. THE LOVE FULFILLS THE LAW: All commandment of God is perfected and fulfilled in love (Rom.13:8-10). No wonder in Romans 13:8, the Holy spirit advise us to owe no one nothing _ meaning we have a lot of debt to settle when it comes love. True obedience is not just following the teachings of Christ but living a love-driven life.
∆ Love is the motive behind righteousness, not mere keeping God's instructions (1Cor.13).
6. EXPRESSED IN ACTION: This love must be expressed in action. Christian love is practical, not theoretical. Such as; * caring for the poor and needy * forgiving others * serving humbly * showing patience and kindness. 1 Cor .13:
∆ The Love is proven through behavior, not just words(James 2:15-16).
7. LOVE AND SALVATION: The Love is central to salvation, if you don't have love you are a "clanging cymbal" _ a beautiful-nonsense: * God's love initiates salvation * Humans respond through faith * Believers are transformed to reflect that same love.
∆ Salvation, as it is, is not only a rescue from sin but restoration into a loving relationship with God.
8. LOVE, THE IDENTITY OF CHRISTIANS: Love is the defining Mark of Christians(John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
So in Christendom; * Love is identity * Love is evidence of faith * Love is the measure of spiritual maturity
CONCLUSION:
Christian love is not merely felt—it is lived, modeled after Christ, and directed toward both God and humanity.
So, we must know that the essence of love in Christendom is; * Divine (originating from God) * Sacrificial (demonstrated through Christ) * Unconditional (extended to all people) * Active (expressed through deeds, not by words only) * Transformative (changing lives and relationships)....May the peace of God be with you all, Amen!
Theme Analysis delivered in Church of Christ Azuabie Town on
Sunday 5th April, 2026 by:
BRO EDIDIONG BASSEY _
A Slave of God through Christ Jesus.
