"Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13-14
Bible Meaning of 1 Corinthians 16:14
This Bible phrase comes from Paul's final instructions to the Corinthians in his first epistle to them. Paul had frequently emphasized this teaching to the Corinthians so that they would recognize to let love be their most important intention. "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy." (1 Corinthians 14:1) Love for God and fellow humans is to motivate and direct everything we do.
In this verse, Paul was signifying, that the whole of their obedience to Christ, their observation of, and subjection to all His ordinances and commands, should spring from, and be done in love to Him. That the whole of their conduct and behavior towards one another ought to be with charity, which bears all things, and covers a multitude of sins.
Also, that all their church affairs, their business at church meetings, should be transacted, not with strife and vainglory, but in peace, and with mutual affection, with a concern for the good of each other, and of the whole body, and for the glory of God; for without charity or love, and the exercise of this grace, it signifies little what men either have or do; and such an exhortation was the more necessary to this church since it was so full of factions, contentions, and divisions. (Excerpt from John Gill)
Bible Verses about Love
Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. ~ 1 John 4:7
Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. ~ 1 John 4:8
Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. ~ 1 Peter 4:8
And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. ~ Colossians 3:14
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” ~ John 13:34-35
So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:13
We love because he first loved us. ~ 1 John 4:19
Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses. ~ Proverbs 10:12
How to Do All Things in Love
Love is the mode of operation in which our lives as Christians move and flourish. Paul instructed the Romans, “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” (Romans 12:10). Paul taught the Ephesians, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love” (Ephesians 4:2). And furthermore, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Love is the disposition that Christians are to manifest toward one another and all humankind.
Christ Himself said that His followers are to be known by their love: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). Jesus establishes the standard of how we are to love one another. Husbands and wives should love one another as martyrs as Christ loved the church and sacrificed Himself for it (Ephesians 5:22-33). When we correct or reprove another we must do it from a place of genuine love for them (1 Timothy 5:1). If we must speak a difficult truth to a brother or sister in Christ, our motive must come from a position of love (Ephesians 4:15). We are always to work together as one body, inseparably joined for the purpose of building one another up in a spirit of unity and love (Ephesians 4:16).
We acquire love by emulating the example Christ demonstrated through His life: “By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:16-18). "Let all that you do be done with love" proposes that we love as Jesus loved.
A Prayer to Love in All Things
Dear God, Thank you that you are a loving, gracious God. Thank you that you’ve offered us forgiveness and the gift of new life in you. Thank you that your love is perfect, it never fails, and that nothing can separate us from your love.
We pray that our lives would be filled and overflowing with the power of your love so we can make a difference in this world and bring honor to you. We ask for your help in reminding us that the most important things are not what we do outwardly, it’s not based on any talent or gift, but the most significant thing we can do in this life is simply to love you and to choose to love others.
Lord thank you that your love is patient. Help us show patience with those around us.
Lord thank you that your love is kind. Help us to extend kindness to others.
Lord thank you that true love is not jealous. Help us cast aside feelings of jealousy or hatred towards others.
Lord thank you that your love does not brag and is not arrogant. Help us not to live with pride or arrogance, but to choose to walk with humility and grace.
Lord thank you that true love does not act unbecomingly. Lord help us to extend kindness instead of rudeness towards others. Help us to lay aside a critical tone and tearing down with our words, so that we can truly walk in peace.
Lord thank you that true love does not seek its own. Lord help us not to live selfishly, looking only to our own interests.
Lord thank you that true love is not provoked. Lord help us not to become easily angered. Help us not to be so quickly reactive, but instead slow to speak and slow to become angry.
Lord thank you that your love does not take into account a wrong suffered. Lord help us not to hold grudges, but to choose to forgive, even when it’s difficult.
Lord thank you that your love does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. Lord help us to love your words of truth, may we walk in your freedom and wisdom. Let it be what drives our lives and choices every day.
Lord thank you that your love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, thank you that your love never fails.
Help us to love as you love. Fill us with your Spirit so that we can choose what is best. We are weak Lord, but we know also, that even when we are weak, you are strong within us. Thank you that it’s not all up to us. Thank you that you equip us to face each day with the power of your love, your forgiveness, and your grace.
We love you Lord, and we need you today, and every day, In Jesus’ Name, Amen. (By Debbie McDaniel)
Photo credit: ©Getty/John Howard
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