Our culture today loves to come up with its own definition of love. But the best definition of love is found in 1 Corinthians 13. Ultimately, God is love. Paul is describing the revelation he received of God’s love. Paul’s ministry was empowered by the Holy Spirit and a revelation of God’s love. Contrary to the world and progressive Christianity, God’s love doesn’t excuse sin; it brings transformation.
The Apostle Paul faced many trials and tribulations. He was shipwrecked and beaten many times. He was imprisoned for proclaiming the Gospel. He wrote Philippians while imprisoned and in chapter four writes for us to rejoice always and to be anxious for nothing.
The Christian life is to be a life of walking in the victory Jesus purchased for us and empowered by His great love in all things. The best relationships come from being founded on God’s love. A life of victory in Christ comes from being rooted in His love in all things.

So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.
1 Corinthians 13 (The Message)