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In I Cor. 12:15, the apostle Paul makes one of the saddest statements in the New Testament.  He says, “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.”  The failure of some of the Corinthian brethren to love Paul back is heartbreaking. Yet, this verse is also one of the most powerful statements in the New Testament concerning heroic love.
Who is a Hero?
A hero is a person noted for courageous acts or notable aspects of character.  This is illustrated in the statement, “He became a hero when he saved the drowning child.”  A hero is a person that we look up to and admire because of his or her qualities of character that shine in acts of goodness or kindness.
Heroic Love in Paul
Paul had enemies (II Cor. 12:11).  They challenged his authority as an apostle of Jesus Christ.  Paul defends his apostleship to these individuals.  Some among the Corinthians were upset because Paul did not take support from them while he accepted it from the Philippian brethren (Philippians 4:15).  Paul was acting like a loving father in this respect.  He states, “…for I seek not yours, but you: for the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.”  Even though Paul acted in love, they did not reciprocate love to him.
Features of Heroic Love
Heroic love acts freely to the unloveable.  Heroic love acts from the heart without regard to how that love is received.  It acts, rather than merely reacting.  Jesus taught:  “Love your enemies…” (Matt. 5:44).  He also taught, “For if ye love them that love you, what reward have ye?  Do not even the publicans the same.”  Our love is a reflection of the righteousness of God.  Our love must be like Paul’s in that we continually love those who are difficult to love.
Heroic love seeks the highest good of others.  Love is not selfish.  Love is selfless.  Paul continually sought what was spiritually in the best interest of his converts.  Everything Paul did, he did for their edification (II Cor. 12:19).  Paul corrected them for their own spiritual benefit (II Cor. 12:20-21).  Jesus said, “Bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you; pray for them that despitefully use you” (Matt. 5:44).  We over come evil with good! (Rom. 12:21).
Heroic love is sacrificial.  Paul said, “I will gladly spend and be spent for you.”  Paul was willing to use his resources for their benefit.  He was also willing to sacrifice himself in their behalf–his energies and even his life.  Paul had put his own life on the line many times in his ministry.  Paul’s love for God, Christ, truth, and his converts shows his willingness to advance the cause of Christ through significant personal sacrifice.  Love shines forth in such sacrifices.  Paul fits the definition of a hero.
Heroic Love in Christ
Jesus died for the ungodly.  “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8).  Jesus willingly sacrificed himself in our behalf, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor; that he by the grace of God should taste of death for every man. For it became him, for whom are all things, and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons unto glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings” (Heb. 2:9-10).  Jesus provides a perfect example for all to imitate, “For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth, Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:” (I Pet. 2:21-23).  Jesus fits the definition of a hero.
Both Paul and Christ demonstrate the qualities of character that define a hero.  If we imitate them, we, too, can be heroes of faith and love.  Challenge yourself to reach your full potential in both faith and love!