The Excellence of Love and Readiness for His Coming (1 Corinthians 13:1–6)


The Excellence of Love and Readiness for His Coming (1 Corinthians 13:1–6)

Introduction

Brothers and sisters,
We live in a world that often measures greatness by knowledge, power, talent, or sacrifice. But the Apostle Paul reminds us that without love, all these things are empty. In 1 Corinthians 13, often called the “Love Chapter,” Paul reveals the heart of true Christian living. Today we will focus on verses 1–6, and also connect this with the urgent question: Are we qualified to meet the Lord in the rapture?

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1–6 (KJV)

(Read the passage aloud.)

Main Points

1. Love is Greater than Gifts (vv. 1–2)

  • Paul says even if we speak the languages of men or angels, without love we are like a noisy gong.

  • Spiritual gifts—prophecy, knowledge, faith—are useless without love.
    👉 Application: Our ministries must be rooted in love, or else they are worthless before God.

2. Love is Greater than Sacrifice (v. 3)

  • Giving to the poor or even dying as a martyr is meaningless without love.

  • Motives matter to God. He looks at the heart, not just the action.
    👉 Application: True sacrifice flows out of Christlike love, not pride or recognition.

3. The Character of Love (vv. 4–6)

Paul describes the lifestyle of love:

  • Patient and kind.

  • Not envious or boastful.

  • Not arrogant or rude.

  • Not selfish or easily angered.

  • Keeps no record of wrongs.

  • Rejoices in truth, not evil.

👉 Application: This is the kind of love that shows we truly belong to Christ.

4. Love and Readiness for the Rapture

The Bible says Jesus is coming soon, to take His Bride—the Church—at the rapture (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). Not everyone will be taken. Only those who are truly in Christ, walking in holiness and love, will be ready.

Qualifications for the Rapture:

  1. Born Again – Jesus said, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). Salvation through faith in Christ is the first step.

  2. Walking in Holiness – Hebrews 12:14 says, “Without holiness no man shall see the Lord.” We must forsake sin and live in obedience.

  3. Living in Love – As Paul teaches here, love proves we are disciples of Christ (John 13:35). A loveless Christian life cannot be ready for His coming.

  4. Watching and Waiting – Jesus warned, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour” (Matthew 25:13). We must live daily as if Christ could come any moment.

  5. Filled with the Spirit – Like the wise virgins who had oil in their lamps (Matthew 25:1–13), we must stay full of the Holy Spirit.

👉 Connection: Notice how Paul ties love to readiness. Without love, our gifts, knowledge, or even sacrifices are empty. Without love, we are not prepared to meet the Bridegroom.

Conclusion

Brothers and sisters,
Paul shows us that love is the foundation of the Christian life. Without it, nothing matters. But love is also the mark of those who are ready for Christ’s return.

So let us ask:

  • Am I walking in love?

  • Am I living holy and watching for His coming?

  • If Jesus came tonight, would I be ready to rise and meet Him in the air?

Because the trumpet will sound. The Bridegroom is coming. Only those clothed in holiness and love will be caught up in the rapture. Let us be among that number.

🙏 Closing Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, prepare our hearts for Your coming. Fill us with Your love. Cleanse us from every sin. Help us to walk in holiness, truth, and love, so that when You return, we may be counted worthy to enter into Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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