June 14, 1 Corinthians 13
It’s printed on coffee mugs and bookmarks. It’s written in calligraphy on parchment, cross-stitched into fabric and woven into wedding ceremonies. It’s memorized and recited almost as much as Psalm 23 or John 3:16. But few people realize Paul’s best known chapter was originally written in the context of a long discussion about spiritual gifts. The unity of the body at Corinth was threatened by quarreling over who had the best spiritual gift. Paul taught them a better way to live by showing them the power, performance and permanence of love.
Corinth was, as we noted earlier, the home of many of the ancient world’s finest orators. From the context in which this description of love is found, we learn that the Corinthians were particularly enamored with the gift of tongues—the ability God gave certain disciples to speak in languages they had not studied. Paul told them the highest language was devoid of meaning without love. In the infancy of the church when there was as yet no such thing as the written New Testament, the spiritual gifts of prophecy and knowledge were essential to the growth and health of the church. While those gifts were desirable and those who possessed them were no doubt esteemed, Paul said they were “nothing” without love. He also said the greatest acts of sacrifice and expressions of self-denial were of no value when such behavior was not motivated by love. Love empowers and gives significance to all that is worthwhile.
When I read this detailed description of love, I am convicted as I realize my thoughts, words and actions are frequently not expressions of love. I am sometimes impatient and unkind. Jealousy and pride too often taint my actions. I do want my way, and I am sometimes irritable. Must I go on? Don’t we understand that we don’t always match this description? Think of the relationships that have been destroyed because people were unwilling to love like this. Think of the broken marriages and fractured friendships that could be mended if all parties were willing to adopt this as their code of conduct.
If we’ve grown accustomed to instant things in our modern time, we’ve also gotten used to how quickly valuable items become obsolete. In the wake of technology’s rapid advance, today’s new and improved model is tomorrow’s antique. All we know in this material world grows old and wears out, but Paul said that love never ends. It is not a passing fancy. It is not a temporary state. It outlasts and overcomes everything else we know.
Love gives life meaning. Far from being an abstract concept, its presence (or absence) is demonstrated in tangible, observable ways. Love is undiminished by the passing of time; it never goes out of style or loses its potency. It speaks more eloquently, knows more deeply and gives more sacrificially than anything else in the world. No wonder “the greatest of these is love.”
From The Abiding Companion: A Friendly Guide for Your Journey Through the New Testament,
Copyright © 2010 by Michael B. McElroy. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Today in God's Word—June 2024
East Tallassee Church of Christ
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