February 28, 2016:  SOAP #2278:   

Scripture:  1Corinthians (NIV) 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Observation:  This chapter ends with Love being greater than faith and hope.  In the first verses, love is greater than the gifts of the Holy Spirit.  It is greater than personal sacrifice.  It is greater than knowledge.  Love encompasses the fruit of the Holy Spirit.  Jesus gave love as the heart of commandments:  1. love God and 2. love people as you love yourself.  Jesus then gave a new command that we love one another as God loves us!   Jesus said that it was love that motivated the Father to send the Son.  Jesus said he world would take note of how we love one another.

Application:   There are many motivations for good works.  Guilt, pity, desire to feel needed, desire to be considered a great person, but none is as great as love.  When I consider how greatly God loves me, it stirs love in my heart for Him.  I want my life to bring Him joy.

Prayer:   Lord, Your love, like your grace is amazing. The more I contemplate Your being and Your character the more I love you and live in awe of you.   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!