Uncommonly Rare, Undeniably Real

About this sermon

Send us a text (https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2545810/open_sms) A $20 coin survived thefts, fires, a king’s collection, and a courtroom drama to fetch $7.6 million—yet it can’t buy a single act of love. We take that glittering legend and hold it up to a rarer treasure: agape that refuses rudeness, self‑seeking, and quick anger. Rather than treating love like a display piece, we walk through 1 Corinthians 13 as a field guide to action—15 verbs that pull love out of the safe and into circulation, where it belongs. We break the journey into three uncommon moves. First, uncommon courtesy: the quiet power of tact, modesty, and consideration that protects others’ dignity in small, daily choices. Second, uncommon concern: the countercultural habit of not seeking our own advantage, of turning conversations and credit outward so others rise. Third, uncommon control: Spirit‑led restraint that won’t be provoked, illustrated by turning the other cheek and going the second mile—a deliberate surrender of status and convenience to stop resentment from writing the script. Along the way, we contrast agape with the familiar loves of appetite and affinity, showing why self‑giving love is both rare and practical. You’ll hear memorable stories, ancient context that clarifies Jesus’ teaching, and concrete ways to practice patience, share advantage, and respond to irritation without becoming the second person in a quarrel. If rarity excites us, this is the treasure worth pursuing—because its value grows as it is spent. If this conversation helped you reframe what matters, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review. Your feedback helps more people discover wisdom that can move from vault to everyday life. Support the show (https://app.easytithe.com/App/Form/d39a9be4-01ce-4f82-a3ae-8b860c3ab89e) Stephen's latest book, The Disciples Prayer, is available now. https://www.wisdomonline.org/store/view/the-disciples-prayer-hardback