Pursue love

We read in 1 Corinthians 14:1 – “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts, but especially that you may prophesy.” What does it mean to pursue love? The word pursue means to chase after with determination. Everyone is chasing something in life: success, money, recognition, power, relationships, however Paul teaches us that there is one thing we must chase above all and that is love.

Love is not an option; it is the very essence of our faith. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 we read that no matter what gifts we have, or how much faith we have, or even how much we give to others of material things or of ourselves; without love, everything loses meaning. For this reason, we should make love our priority over all else.

What is this love which we should pursue?

• Love is the Fulfillment of the Law (Romans 13:8)

o Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.

• Love is Action, Not Just Emotion (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)

o Biblical love is not just feelings; it’s choices. We choose to forgive, to help someone in need and to encourage others. Yeshua’s selfless act of laying down His life for others is our greatest example. (John 15:13)

• Love is the True Motive of Ministry (1 Corinthians 14:1)

o Paul connects love with spiritual gifts noting that without love they divide, but with love they build up the body. Before using our gifts, we should check our motive, asking ; “Am I doing this to be seen, or because I love God and His people?”

Love is not just a nice feeling, thought or emotion; it is the core of our faith. Love is the greatest pursuit, the fulfillment of the law, and the heartbeat of ministry. To walk in love is to walk in God, for “God is love.” (1 John 4:8)

Every day ask yourself:

• “Am I pursuing love?”

• “Am I paying my debt of love to others?”

• “Am I letting love be the motive for all I do?”

When we pursue love, we reflect Yeshua, because Yeshua Himself is love.