Read 1 Corinthians 13
1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 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. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 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. 12 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.
13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Go Deeper
Before diving into chapter 13, let’s remember Paul’s message in chapter 12. In chapter 12, Paul compares the Church to a body. A body is made up of separate parts, each with unique abilities, that work together for a whole body to function properly. In a similar way, each person has different gifts that work together in a unified way to build up the Church. As fallen humans, we are prone to use our God-given gifts and abilities in a self-serving way. We can fail to look outside ourselves to see how God might be inviting us to use our gifts to serve the whole body.
That takes us to chapter 13. Paul is writing to help the church in Corinth understand what is required for their unique gifts to work together well: Love. We have each been given gifts that allow us to reveal God in a unique way, but if we do not have an attitude of self-sacrifice and a desire to serve those around us, our gifts are only distractions. Paul goes as far as to say if we “have not love, I am nothing.” Without love, our gifts are purposeless. They are attempts to glorify ourselves or serve our own desires, and they are a misuse of God’s intention in giving them.
In love, we are compelled to use our gifts in an orderly way so that everyone can hear and worship God without distraction. Our love toward one another is an image of God’s love toward us. Paul writes in verse 12, “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.” We have the hope of eternity to spur us on towards love, knowing that we will one day be face-to-face with Love Himself. Let’s use our gifts out of love for the One who loved us first, who gave His life for us to know Him and be with Him for eternity, serving each other so that all may see and know His goodness.
Questions
- What are the gifts God has given me, and how can I use them to serve the whole body so everyone can worship God and know Him more fully?
- Do I embody what Paul is calling me to? Am I using my gifts in a way that seeks to serve others out of love?
- When I am using my gifts, am I self-seeking, boastful, or easily angered?
Did You Know?
The city of Corinth was essentially morally bankrupt. These people had placed a high priority on in-the-moment pleasures. They had blended the definitions of love and lust and no longer knew the difference. For Paul to say that love was selfless service to others would have been shocking. He is encouraging them to stop pursuing fleeting pleasures and instead live in eternal love.
4 thoughts on “1 Corinthians 13”
Paul brilliantly ties a giant bow of love over the package of spiritual gifts. Love is the greatest unifier exhibited best in John 3:16 as “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” It’s amazing this very chapter falls for us to read on Thanksgiving Day. May we show gratitude for Christ’s perfect, sacrificial love for us and love others well this day.
1 Corinthians 13 is a chapter that most
Of us are semi-familiar with. But when we connect it chapter 12 it brings a new perspective. We need to use our God-given gifts for His kingdom in a sacrificial way (not self-serving) as part of the church body. I’m sure Paul did that intentionally.
“but have not love, . . .”
Without love we can do nothing. This is the fundamental focus of our walk. We need love to be the root otherwise we are just clanging around. What we do to serve others means nothing without love behind it. God Hesed loves us, unconditional love!!! Agape love is the love we give because we have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior and are filled with the Holy Spirit. This is the love we serve with for the Kingdom.
God thank You for LOVE in all aspects of my walk.. Thank You that You so LOVED me and that I now so LOVE You that I can put my LOVE goggles on to see others and serve them. God thank You for my crazy amazing life. God I give You the Glory Honor and so much Thanksgiving for all You do in Jesus name amen
WOOHOO!!!!!