The Love of Christ Constrains Us

In this six-part series from 1995, “The Love of Christ Constrains Us,” the Bro. Bill Link, Jr. takes us deep into Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians to explore the character, mindset, and actions that flow from genuine agape love. Far from being a sentimental ideal, this love is presented as a deliberate, self-sacrificing choice that unites believers, strengthens ecclesial life, and keeps the hope of the Gospel alive in every circumstance. Across these studies, we are reminded that the love of Christ is both a compelling force and a sustaining anchor, shaping our service, our relationships, and our steadfastness in the faith.

Class 1 – Love as the Guiding Principle

Opening with Paul’s words about the “more excellent way,” this class sets the tone for the series by showing that love is not an optional extra but the essential foundation for all discipleship. The study examines the challenges in Corinth and draws practical lessons on unity, humility, and the Christ-like mindset that refuses to insist on its own way. Love is revealed as the unifying power that makes all spiritual gifts and efforts truly valuable.

Class 2 – Building Up the Body

Here, Paul’s metaphor of the ecclesia as the body of Christ comes to life. Each member is shown to have a distinct and necessary role, and mutual care is emphasized as essential for the health of the whole. The talk challenges modern ideas of “membership,” urging us to see ourselves as inseparable, interdependent parts of one living body. Love becomes the glue that holds these varied parts together in mutual honor and service.

Class 3 – Love in Action

This session explores how self-sacrificing love operates in real ecclesial life. From surrendering personal rights for the good of others to actively seeking opportunities to serve, love is portrayed as an active, deliberate pursuit. The discussion confronts our natural inclinations to defend our own interests and calls us to embrace the spirit of Christ, who chose the cross for our sake.

Class 4 – The Character of Love

Drawing from 1 Corinthians 13, this class paints a vivid portrait of love personified. We see how love is patient, kind, humble, and enduring, and how it refuses to be self-seeking or easily provoked. The exhortation is clear: without love, even the most impressive acts or gifts are hollow. Love is shown to be the very character of Christ, the pattern into which we must be shaped.

Class 5 – Perfectly Joined Together

Using the image of mending nets, this study illustrates the need for unity in mind and judgment. The lesson underscores that being “perfectly joined together” requires godly wisdom, mutual respect, and a willingness to yield. Practical examples from Corinth’s disputes—such as brethren taking one another to law—are used to show how love can heal divisions and restore harmony. The chapter culminates in Paul’s vision of love as the indispensable mark of Christ’s disciples.

Class 6 – Resurrection and Enduring Hope

The series closes with an uplifting exploration of 1 Corinthians 15, presenting the resurrection as both a cornerstone of the Gospel and a source of unshakable encouragement. Paul’s own transformation is set alongside the certainty of Christ’s return and the hope of eternal life. The class challenges false security and urges steadfast, wholehearted devotion, ending on the triumphant note that our labor in the Lord is never in vain.

This description has been generated by AI and lightly edited.