1 Corinthians 13:4-13
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:4-13 (NIV)
We recognize these well-known verses from Paul which are often read at weddings. Paul is writing this letter to the church in Corinth about 54 or 55 AD. As I looked online into these verses, I learned that the “love” Paul writes of in this passage comes from the Greek term agape. This is a selfless love, distinguished from sexual desire – eros – and from brotherly love – phileo. These verses include 14 descriptions of agape, all of them verbs. Godly love, from a godly perspective, is defined by what Christians do or do not do. Agape love is not primarily about feelings; nor is it mostly the words which describe it. Love is action: the choice to do or not do in relationships with all people.
Secondly, Paul tells us that the gift of prophecy will cease someday. The gift of tongues will be stilled and knowledge will end. These miraculous gifts and human knowledge are partial and will one day “pass away” because they are only needed for our current, incomplete life on earth. Paul compares our current understanding to that of a child or a dim reflection in a mirror. One day (in eternity) we will see God “face to face” and understand everything clearly. In the end Paul says three virtues remain: faith, hope and love. Faith and hope are essential now, but love is the greatest because it is the only one that will last forever in heaven.
As I read these verses from Paul, I wonder and marvel at the awesomeness of the love of God. The Apostle John says God is love (1 John 4:8 & 1 John 4:16). Jesus modeled the characteristics of love to all people during his time on earth, ultimately demonstrating this love by giving his life for us all on the cross.
Paul’s message on agape love means that love is not simply a feeling but is an active, selfless choice. This passage sets a standard for how Christians should treat others—with a gentle, forgiving, and patient attitude that mirrors Christ’s love.
Questions for Reflection:
- Which description of love in this passage challenges you the most right now? Why?
- What if our community (our nation, our world) truly lived out verses 4-7, how would it change our interactions with one another?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I praise you and thank you for your awesome love for us ALL! Help us to realize that you always love us and help us to love you and others by following your son’s example. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment