Part 2: Love is the Way

Continuing the series Love: The Greatest Commandment, Pastor Hans Hess taught that love is the defining mark of a true believer. Quoting 1st Corinthians 12:31, he reminded us that Paul points to “the most excellent way,” and that way is love. No matter how spiritual we appear or how much we accomplish for God, without love it is empty. Love is not an add-on to Christianity, it is the very path we are called to walk.

Through 1st Corinthians 13, he emphasized that love is active and intentional. It is patient when tested, kind when challenged, and forgiving when wronged. Love is not rooted in emotion but in obedience. It is a daily choice that reflects the heart of Christ.

Pastor Hans also showed how love fulfills the Law. Under the New Covenant, God writes His law on our hearts (Jeremiah 31; Hebrews 8), and His love is poured into us through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5). Romans 13:8 makes it clear that when we love others, we fulfill the law. The Christian life flows in two directions, vertical love toward God and horizontal love toward people, and the first always shapes the second.

In a memorable Gen Z phrase, he said, “Love is lit,” and love is the “GOAT,” the greatest of all time, pointing to Jesus. Christ is the ultimate expression of love, and following Him means choosing love as our way of life.