Thursday, August 20

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20, 2020

"If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 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. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.

"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." (1 Corinthians 13:1-7)


We often associate this passage with human relationships, particularly marriage, making it a common reading for marriages. It beautifully expresses the self-sacrificing, unfailing love that powers a healthy marriage and establishes a family, with Christ at the center.

Looking to its placement in 1 Corinthians, we should note that Paul's description of love falls between Chapters 12 and 14, which chiefly cover the diversity of spiritual gifts in the Church. In this light -- and given this chapter's introductory three verses -- it appears that Paul meant to provide guidance on the deployment of spiritual gifts and the proper motivation behind them.

As with any human gifting, we may be tempted to wield any spiritual gift in pride. While we may be rightfully grateful for whatever spiritual gifts God has given us, we should be careful to share them with the Body -- and in love. As Paul illustrates in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a, love serves in humility and kindness, focuses on others' best interests, avoids recriminations and falsehood, and continues on in trust and hope.

Retreating to a higher-level view, the Scriptures clearly indicate that the "How?" matters as much as the "What?" In this specific context, Paul instructs the spiritually gifted Corinthians to build harmony and strength in the Body.

We can practice these verses in our homes, schools and workplaces, and in the church. Yet, we will fall short of achieving this lofty goal of loving well without the empowering and guiding Presence of the Holy Spirit. We may ask the Spirit to fill us and strengthen us for the day ahead each morning, after seeking cleansing through confessing our sins (Ephesians 5:18; 1 John 1:9). In addition to providing wisdom and revelation through the Spirit, God has given us His Spirit so that Christ may be exalted in us and through us (Ephesians 1:15-23).


Lord God, thank You for pointing us to the appropriate means of living with others. Send Your Holy Spirit to Your Church today so that we may indeed reflect this calling and serve with kindness and humility. Thank You that Your way is right, good, and pleasing. Bring us clarity in our minds and hearts today so that we may better understand the privilege of loving You and loving others. In Jesus's Name, amen.

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