Todays message wraps up a set of talks on the always-changing form of love, pointing out how steady and how strong it can be. The speaker uses 1 Corinthians 13 to depict authentic love. Pastor Corbin says that real love, like God's love, is constant and needs persistent action. Pastor Corbin's own story of almost dying and of recovering is to show that it is important to keep going, with help from others and from God, to make it through difficult times. The parable of the persistent widow further reinforces this point, pointing out that God values persistent faith and action more than simple protocol. The central message encourages everyone to represent this persevering love in their individual lives, depicted by the exhortation to "show up and don't give up." This principle applies across relationships, spiritual attempts, as well as self-difficulties, stressing that true love, similar to God's, is characterized by its resilience in addition to commitment. Pastor Corbin's account stands as ample proof of what can happen through perseverance, showing that with ceaseless faith and work, a person can feel the life-changing strength of God's lasting love.

Welcome to our third week of our Love Always series. 1 Corinthians 13:7 ("Love always hopes") is our basis to show how hope is a key part of love. It offers a contrast of worldly hope, or wishful thinking. It also presents Biblical hope, which is confident expectation in God's faithfulness. This core message of Biblical hope, fueled by love, empowers us to overcome circumstances instead of being dragged down by them. Many point to Isaiah 40:31, stressing that all who hope in the Lord will have completely renewed strength. Today's message delivers an emphatic warning against "hope killers," incorporating total forgetfulness, devastating negativity, deep apathy, along with a total lack of vision. Sufficient practical application is then encouraged through complete gratitude, total obedience, and firm faith, practices suggested as certain ways to cultivate overall hope and experience the entirety of love.

This sermon explores the power of consistent love, focusing on how love "always trusts" (1 Cor. 13:7). We examine how trust is fundamental to love, even when it's hard. We discuss the difference between trust and naivety, the importance of trusting God first, and practical steps like being optimistic, vulnerable, and forgiving. Join us as we learn to believe the best in others, always!

We're kicking off our new series, "Love Always"! Think about the things you always do – habits, routines, consistent actions. Love should be like that too. Love is consistent. Real love is reliable. It's not just a feeling, but a regular practice. Over the next few weeks, we'll explore what love always does, straight from the Bible. Today, we're focusing on how love always protects (1 Corinthians 13:7). Protection means keeping safe from harm. Love defends, guards, and shields others – emotionally, mentally, and physically. It creates a safe space. As a husband, dad, or pastor, protection is a key part of love.