Christians can sometimes pride themselves on ticking “holiness” boxes, yet Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for that very thinking. 1 Corinthians 13:2 says, “If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (NIV).
The greatest sign of spiritual maturity isn’t tithing, “being nice,” attending church or reciting scripture — it’s LOVE. Gloria Copeland says, “Love is the single most important key to growing up in God. If we don’t grow up in love, we don’t grow up at all.” Love holds the other fruit together in perfect unity (Colossians 3:14), and Ephesians 4:15 calls us to “grow up in every way and in all things into Him.”
1. Love Is Evident in the Way You Talk
The Corinthian church abounded in spiritual gifts, yet Paul called them “mere infants…in Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:1). Operating in the gifts of the Spirit is not a mark of maturity — love is. Ask yourself:
- Are you patient and kind with your spouse, children or colleagues?
- Are you boastful or proud, even privately?
- Do you speak rudely or bring up others’ past failings during conflict?
Saying “that’s just how I am” isn’t acceptable. God expects His children to walk in love, and His Spirit within you can bring about the change needed.
2. Love Is Evident in the Way You Think
1 Corinthians 13:4-7 describes love as patient, kind, not envious, not easily angered, keeping no record of wrongs. Everything with God comes down to the heart — you can speak politely while harbouring the wrong spirit. Line your thinking up with this description of love in every situation, then hold yourself accountable and repent when needed.
3. Love Is Evident in the Way You Act
“Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love” (1 John 4:8). Fruit must be cultivated — it takes effort and desire. Love doesn’t judge, criticise, gossip or grumble. Instead, it’s humble, generous, encouraging, patient and forgiving.
Gloria Copeland says, “Divine love is not self-seeking. It is self-giving.” Walking in love means laying down our own rights for others’ sake.
Wherever you’ve missed the mark, put the past behind you. The love of God has been born within you. But, unless you take steps to develop it, that love will remain hidden within you. Like faith, love becomes active through knowledge of the Word.
Become love-conscious by confessing and acting on God’s Word every day. As you meditate and speak 1 Corinthians 13 over yourself, see yourself living the love life – allow love to shape your every thought, word and action.
