Love is at the heart of it all. Jesus called us to love God and love people—simple in words, yet challenging in practice. Too often, our good intentions are crowded out by hurry, distraction, and misplaced priorities. But what if we chose to love with purpose, devotion, and a genuine commitment to put others first? Living with intentional, wholehearted love has the power to transform our relationships, our churches, and even the world. That’s exactly what Jesus came to do—and He invites us to carry that love forward. In the weeks ahead, we’ll explore this essential calling and discover what it truly means to be people who love, even beyond reason.

Living on Purpose

The Heart of it All

1 Corinthians 12:31b-1 Corinthians 13:1-3; Matthew 22:34-40

Whatever holds your attention long enough, eventually shapes your heart.

1 Corinthians 12:31b, "But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all."

The Way of Jesus: Loving on Purpose, Living on Purpose

(1) Begin with our words

v1, "If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn't love others, I would only be a noise gong or a clanging cymbal."

Proverbs 12:18, "Some people make cutting remarks, but the words of the wise bring healing."

(2) Love is more than words; guard your thoughts

v2, "If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and...but do not have love, I am nothing."

Corinthians 8:1 (NIV), "We know that...knowledge puffs up while love builds up."

Are you more concerned with being right, or treating others rightly?

(3) Love is the way of faith

v2b, "...if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing."

Galatians 5:6, "What is important is faith expressing itself in love."

Is my faith making me easier to love or harder to be around?

(4) Love reaches my possessions

v3a, "If I gave everything I have to the poor..."

Matthew 6:21, "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be."

Is my giving drawing me closer - or keeping me comfortable?

(5) Love surpasses your grandstanding

v3b, "If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrifice my body, I could boast about it, but if I didn't love others, I would have gained nothing."

See Matthew 22:37-40