2. All Things In Love
1 Corinthians 16:14

3. How Important Is Love?
A fundamental teaching of the New Testament (Matt. 22:36-40)
Without love there is nothing (1 Cor. 13:1-3)
Paul says he is nothing without it
He produces nothing of value without it (indistinguishable noise)
He receives nothing of value (“profits me nothing”)

4. Definition Of Terms Our English word “love”
New Testament written in Koine Greek
Eros. Describes physical, sensual, passionate love; the kind of love which leads to the selfish satisfaction of one’s own appetite. Not in NT
Storge. Describes a love of kindred. Used of parents and children. A natural affection. A form of this word is used three times in the NT (Rom. 1:31; 12:10; 2 Tim. 3:3)

5. Phileo. Used to describe warmth and tender affection which exists among family, friends, or others. It is a higher form of love, but still emotion-based
Agapao. Describes a love beyond emotion. A supreme act of will which goes beyond natural desire. Clearest examples are John 3:16 and Romans 5:8. God loves us though we are unworthy

6. Surprising Points About Love
We are to love our enemies (Matt. 5:43-48)
Love is commanded (Jn. 13:34-35)
Not natural or emotional
Must be developed
The example of the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 4:9-10)

7. There is such a thing as tough love (Eph. 4:15)
Tough love is Paul rebuking Peter (Gal. 2:11)
Tough love is Paul’s letters to Corinth (2 Cor. 13:10)