Paul's Biblical Love

An inescapable characteristic of real Christian ministry is sacrificing self for the benefit of others and the glory of God. We are all called to this kind of ministry. Paul's heart was consumed with a passion to advance and benefit the Corinthians and he says that his focus was upon what was good for them not upon what they had. Thus he said, 'I do not seek yours, but you.' This simple policy, if followed, would radically affect the way many people do ministry today. Unfortunately, too many times ministries have their focus upon what people have rather than upon the people's real needs and what is best for them. We see too that Paul rebuked the Corinthians because there could be no doubt that all his actions toward them manifested true love, yet the more he loved them the less they loved him. Their reaction to Paul's Christ-like love revealed the state of their hearts--they were in rebellion against God. The way we respond to a similar definition and manifestation of love, reveals what is truly in our hearts.