In this final sermon of the “Will True Love Please Stand Up” series, Stephen Davey describes agape love as something far beyond fleeting affection or “puppy love.” Whereas worldly love gives up when relationships become difficult, agape adjusts, endures, and remains steadfast even when challenges arise. Paul’s five descriptions of love in 1 Corinthians 13:7–8 reveal its enduring qualities: The Support of Love – Love “bears all things,” standing strong under the weight of hardship, disappointment, and responsibility. True love doesn’t run from pressure; it lifts burdens alongside others. The Simplicity of Love – Love “believes all things,” choosing to trust and give others the benefit of the doubt rather than assume the worst. The Sweetness of Love – Love “hopes all things,” never giving up on people. It sees potential even in failure and reflects God’s redemptive optimism. The Steadfastness of Love – Love “endures all things,” holding firm through suffering and difficulty. Like a soldier who refuses to desert, agape persists when others would retreat. The Supremacy of Love – “Love never fails.” Spiritual gifts and accomplishments fade, but love alone endures eternally because it mirrors the very nature of God. Davey concludes that agape love is divine in origin and demands supernatural strength. It is patient, believing, hopeful, and enduring—an everlasting reflection of Christ’s own love, which never gives up, never runs out, and never falls to the ground.
Beyond Puppy Love
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