We are called to love our neighbors, whether they are enemies or family. Our love, like Jesus’, is motivated by God’s love for us, not by how others treat us. Those who seem least deserving of love need it the most. Being right is not always loving; being loving is always right.

Luke 10:25-37 The most important question ever asked is followed by a foolish question.

Galatians 5:13-16, 22 To walk by the flesh is self-centered, without concern for God or others. As we walk by the spirit, we love others.

1 Corinthians 12:27-31 God wants us to earnestly desire the spiritual enablements in order to serve others, but love is the more excellent way.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 These three verses emphatically communicate the importance of doing all with love for God and others.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8

Love is patient – Exodus 34:6; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:9-10; Ephesians 4:1- 3; 1 Thessalonians 5:14-15; James 5:7-9

Love is kind – Nehemiah 9:17; Romans 2:4; Titus 3:3-5; Ephesians 2:7;

Luke 6:35-36; Ephesians 4:31-32

Not jealous, not bragging, not arrogant, not acting unbecomingly (rude or improperly), not seeking its own, not provoked, not considering a wrong (does not keep a record of wrongs or hold onto past mistakes or grievances) Proverbs 24:17; Acts 13:42-48 Does not rejoice in unrighteousness; rejoices with the truth.

1 Peter 4:8; Proverbs 10:12; 17:9 Bears all things – means to cover closely to keep water out. Love covers with silence.

Believes all things; hopes all things; endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Love never fails (Psalm 136).

John 13:34-35; 15:12; 1 John 3:23; Ephesians 5:2 The higher standard of love is “as he loved us”.

Matthew 5:44-48