1 Corinthians 13

Posted on Jul 24, 2017 in Bible (NT) in a Year |

Monday

 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love. vs 13
It is interesting that this passage of scripture is so often used during wedding ceremonies, but the love expressed here has little to do with marital love and everything to do with loving others. Paul talks about the many gifts that people have been given, but without love, they have no value, they are useless. As a Christian all that we do should be done out of love for others. Paul is not telling us what love is, because that is beyond our ability to comprehend – “God 
is love” (1 John 4:8). An infinite God who is the embodiment of love is far beyond a human’s finite understanding. So Paul expresses here what love does and doesn’t do
. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit it is our actions that will reflect the Spirit’s love in us. We are to be patient and kind, those are the positive actions of love. Then Paul tells us what love is not – envious or jealous (and he is probably talking to the Corinthian people about their feelings towards the gifts others have received), boastful, proud, selfish, irritable, or unforgiving. Then Paul shares about the fortitude that love gives us.. never losing faith, enduring all situations and always remaining hopeful. Wow, that is a tall order to fill. But remember this is God’s love. And we have the Holy Spirit to help us.
 

Think about how someone who has been so completely wronged being able to forgive their offender. How does that happen? A woman who has been raped can forgive her rapist… a parent whose child was murdered forgives the one who did this… Think about the hope that someone holds on to when there seems like no hope is left. Where do these things come from… only one source can old the truth to all these things and that is the truth found only in believing in Jesus Christ. Never give up, never lose faith and always, always remain hopeful and you will endure through every circumstance.

Faith hope and love… and the greatest is…. Love.

Grace and Peace

Pastor Kathy