TODAY’S PROPHETIC NUMBERS

TRUTH IN LOVE

It’s true that we need to remember the true meaning of love and not just use it as a buzzword. When I read 1 John 3:18 (NKJV), I was struck by how often love is used and how important it is in our lives. But in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8, we truly learn what love should look like. These verses remind us that love isn’t about words but about being a true reflection of King Jesus’ heart. It’s a powerful message that reminds us to always strive for genuine love in all we do.

The Bible speaks of 4 distinct types of love: Eros, Storge, Philia, and Agape. It’s a love that loves without changing. It is a self-giving love that gives without demanding or expecting repayment. It is love so great that it can be given to the unlovable or unappealing. It is love that loves even when it is rejected. 

Agape love gives and loves because it wants to; it does not demand or expect repayment for the love given. It gives because it loves; it does not love in order to receive. But it can be defined as sacrificial, giving, and absorbing love. The word has little to do with emotion; it has much to do with self-denial for the sake of another. Sounds like Jesus! 1 Corinthians 13:1-10 is a powerful reminder that love is the foundation of our existence. It’s sobering how this passage keeps us in proper Kingdom perspective and shows us that our talents and skills are meaningless unless the love of Jesus drives us.

Matthew 7:21-23 (NKJV) 21: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’

Declaration: Lord Jesus, I want to be found in You. Give me clean hands, purify my heart. I long to know and be known by Your love.

From My Sermons: Way Past Nice & The 16 Attributes of Love