Farmville Pastor Reflects on 'More Excellent Way' of Love

Rev. Adam Tyler shares insights on agape love from 1 Corinthians 13 and Jesus' teachings.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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In a reflection on his 15-year wedding anniversary, Rev. Adam Tyler of Farmville Baptist Church explores the biblical concept of agape love - a selfless, sacrificial love that Jesus calls his followers to emulate. Tyler discusses how this 'more excellent way' of love, as described in 1 Corinthians 13 and Jesus' teachings, contrasts with the limited, conditional love often celebrated today.

Why it matters

Tyler's message highlights the ongoing importance of cultivating a deeper, more expansive love in our personal relationships and communities, even as empathy and compassion appear to be waning in modern society. His reflections invite readers to consider how embracing this 'God-kind of love' could transform their own lives and relationships.

The details

In his essay, Tyler reflects on the 1 Corinthians 13 passage that was read at his wedding 15 years ago, noting that the 'love' described by the Apostle Paul is not merely romantic love, but a sacrificial, unconditional 'agape' love that Jesus calls his followers to embody. Tyler explores how Jesus repeatedly emphasized this 'more excellent way' of love in his teachings, urging disciples to love God, their neighbors, and even their enemies with this selfless, compassionate mindset.

  • Fifteen years ago, Tyler and his wife were married.
  • The 1 Corinthians 13 'love chapter' was read during their wedding ceremony.

The players

Rev. Dr. J. Adam Tyler

The senior pastor of Farmville Baptist Church, who wrote this reflection on agape love.

Jesus

The central figure of Christianity, whose teachings on unconditional love Tyler examines in his essay.

Apostle Paul

The author of the 1 Corinthians epistle, which includes the famous 'love chapter' that Tyler references.

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What they’re saying

“That sort of love, Jesus says, is what we are to emulate.”

— Rev. Dr. J. Adam Tyler, Senior Pastor, Farmville Baptist Church (farmvilleherald.com)

“In all of these passages, and numerous others, Jesus holds out this agape love as the way of life he invites us to follow, the most excellent way.”

— Rev. Dr. J. Adam Tyler, Senior Pastor, Farmville Baptist Church (farmvilleherald.com)

What’s next

Tyler's message encourages readers to reflect on how they can cultivate a deeper, more selfless love in their own lives and relationships, in line with Jesus' teachings.

The takeaway

In a society that often celebrates limited, conditional forms of love, Tyler's reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of embracing the 'more excellent way' of agape love - a love that is kind, compassionate, and focused on the needs of others rather than the self.