Dear Corinth: Love That Lasts | Rev. Roberto Chaple
When Love Gets Real
Have you ever wondered what love really is—beyond the clichés and butterflies? In the final message of our Dear Corinth series, Love That Lasts, Pastor Roberto Chaple challenges us to rethink love entirely. Not love as emotion, attraction, or affection, but love that is rooted in action, sacrifice, and eternity.
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What Makes Love Truly Last?
Paul’s famous words in 1 Corinthians 13 aren’t just poetic—they’re prophetic. After confronting the Corinthian church on unity, leadership, morality, and equality, Paul saves the best (and most difficult) for last: love.
Here’s what love is—and what it’s not:
1. Love isn’t what you say—It’s how you live
“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong…” (1 Cor. 13:1)
The Corinthians equated love with eloquence. But talk is cheap. Without love, even the most spiritual-sounding words are just noise.
2. Love isn’t what you know—It’s who you serve
“If I...can fathom all mysteries...but do not have love, I am nothing.” (v.2)
Knowledge isn’t love. Wisdom without compassion leads to pride, not Christlikeness. Love isn’t measured by IQ—it’s measured by humility.
3. Love isn’t what you give—It’s why you give
“If I give all I possess…but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (v.3)
Even generosity can be self-serving. Paul says love is the “why” behind every “what.” Without that motivation, our actions are empty.
Loving When It’s Hard
True love shows up not just when it's easy, but especially when it's hard:
Love when it's inconvenient.
Love people who are difficult.
Love beyond admiration, interest, or attraction.
Jesus calls us to love enemies, serve strangers, and sacrifice willingly. That’s not affection—it’s agape love. And it’s the fruit of the Spirit, not just human effort (Galatians 5:22-23).
The Why Behind the What
The Corinthians had mistaken charisma for character. Paul reminds them—and us—that the greatest spiritual gift isn’t prophecy, tongues, or miracles. It’s love.
Why?
Because love never fails. Everything else will fade—eloquence, knowledge, service. But love is eternal.
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (v.13)
What It Means for Us Today
In a culture where “love” is often reduced to likes, lust, or fleeting emotion, Paul invites us to something deeper. Real love lasts because it reflects God’s heart—a love that gives, sacrifices, and endures.
So, where do you need to grow in love?
With someone difficult?
In a place that feels thankless?
When emotions fall short?
Don’t wait to “feel” love—choose it. Let the Spirit grow it in you.
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Living Out the Mission
Love like this reflects New Hope’s calling to Know Jesus, Grow Faith, and Go Multiply. Real love is how disciples make disciples—it’s how the gospel spreads.
Let’s not settle for love that fades. Let’s choose love that lasts.
Reflection Questions
Where in your life have you mistaken charisma, knowledge, or works for love?
Who is someone “difficult to love” that God may be calling you to love with agape?
What would it look like for you to grow in love this week—not just in word, but in action?
How does understanding God’s love change how you treat others?
Where is your “why” missing from your “what”? What needs to shift?
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More Sermons in this Series
Other Sermons from Pastor Roberto
What does real love look like? In a world full of confusion, Pastor Roberto Chaple unpacks 1 Corinthians 13 to show us a love that actually lasts—the kind of love that reflects God's heart.