Introduction : All human beings pursue the meaning, value, and purpose of life so that they can enjoy true joy and happiness. However, many people in the past have not had true joy and happiness and were in despair because of the vanity of life, even though they seemed to find the meaning of life, live a valuable life, and accomplish the purpose of life. Why? It was because they lacked love-the key factor to joy and happiness in life.
1. Meaningless achievement without love (1Co 13:1-3) 1) The tongues of men and of angels - Without love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal (1Jn 3:18-19) 2) The gift of prophecy and faith that can move mountains - If I have the gift of prophecy, mysterious knowledge, and great faith, but have not love, I am nothing (Eph 6:23, 3:18) 3) If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing (Ro 12:9)
2. If I have love 1) I am patient (Heb 12:3, Jas 5:7) 2) I am kind (Eph 4:2) 3) I do not envy (Pr17:9) 4) I do not boast (Pr 27:1, Jas 4:14,16) 5) I am not proud (Pr 16:18, Php 2:3, 1Pe5:5) 6) I am not rude (Pr 14:21, Ro15:2) 7) I am not self-seeking (1Co 10:33) 8) I am not easily angered (Pr 16:32, Jas 1:21) 9) I keep no record of wrongs (1Pe 3:9, Jas 1:21) 10) I do not delight in evil (1Jn 3:4) 11) I rejoice in the truth (1Jn 2:9, Eph 5:9, Ro 13:10) 12) I always protect, trust, hope, and persevere (2Pe 3:9, Ro 8:35,37)
3. In order to love others 1) We must accept Jesus, the source of love, and God the Father (1Jn 4:7-8, 16) (1) Jesus´ love and sacrifice on the Cross (Jn 3:16, Lk 23:34) (2) God´s love of giving (1Jn 4:9-10) 2) We must pray to experience love by the grace of the Holy Spirit (Ro 5;5, Php 1:9, 2Th 3:5) 3) We must decide to live in love (Jn 13:34-35, 15:12-14) - Unless we are able to love, we must have pity. Hatred is the nature of the devil. (Pr 10:12, 1Pe 4:8, Eph 4:32)
Conclusion : (1Cor 13:8) Everything is formal, but not substantial, temporary, but not eternal or endless. Only love is the real substance of life-everlasting and limitless. No matter whether love comes from God or from humanity, when we love and are loved, we are truly joyful and happy.
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