Reason #1: Love is a gift.
Love is from God. We don’t conjure it up in ourselves, but it comes from knowing God. (John 17:26) In fact, it is God. (1 John 4:8) It’s demonstrated to us in Christ’s sacrifice for us. That while we were sinners Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8) We don’t even earn it by our good behavior. It was given while we continued to sin, not after we somehow “got our act together”, however we may define that. Love is a gift, freely given that we would enjoy it, delight in it, delight in God, by His design.

Reason #2: Love empowers us.
This gift of love empowers us. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. (1 Cor. 13:7) In other words, love is the element that allows us to look at the truth. And bear it, even when it’s hard. And hope, even when it seems foolish. And endure, even when we are faint. Love empowers us to live and not hide. To engage and not escape. To be human and not overcome by guilt, by shame. This is love empowering us to live free.

Reason #3: Love alone lasts.
This gift that sets us free will always be; it never ends. (1 Cor. 13:8) Now these remain, faith, hope and love. But when Jesus returns, our faith will be realized. Our hope will be fulfilled. And love, love will remain.