Cleric Urges Christians to Make Agape Love Cornerstone of Faith
Reverend Emmanuel Okoroafor
Christian faithful have been urged to prioritise agape love above spiritual gifts, achievements and public displays of faith, as Reverend Emmanuel Okoroafor warned that without love, Christian service amounts to nothing.
Delivering a sermon at New Heritage Baptist Church, Awka, Reverend Okoroafor anchored his message on Apostle Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 13, describing love as the bedrock of authentic Christianity.
He observed that many believers are active in ministry and endowed with spiritual gifts, including speaking in tongues, yet may still lack the most essential virtue.
“The church may be full of talents and activities. From the outside, everything appears vibrant. But if love is absent, we are empty,” he said.
According to him, Paul’s message was a corrective to a church that celebrated spiritual manifestations while neglecting the foundation of faith.
Quoting scripture, he noted that speaking “in the tongues of men and of angels” without love makes one a mere noise-maker.
The cleric stressed that agape love, as demonstrated by Jesus Christ, is sacrificial and transformative, not limited to romantic affection or marital relationships.
He warned against bitterness, envy and pride, describing them as indicators of love’s absence.
Referencing the biblical account of two brothers whose relationship ended in tragedy due to jealousy, he said a heart devoid of love easily gives room to destruction.
Reverend Okoroafor further emphasised that charity without love is meaningless. “Giving is not a substitute for love. For God so loved the world that He gave. Love was the foundation,” he stated.
He outlined the characteristics of true love as patient, kind, truthful and selfless, adding that it does not envy, boast or seek personal gain.
Challenging the congregation, he asked, “Do you truly love your family, your neighbours and the people of God?”
He concluded by urging believers to reflect Christ through practical acts of compassion and truth, insisting that agape love remains the ultimate proof of genuine faith.
