by Kelli Jordan, Regional Developer
Most Christians know 1 Corinthians 13 as the “love” chapter. To fully understand 1 Corinthians 13, we must start in 1 Corinthians 12. The Corinthian Christians were busy comparing their contributions to the church and judging each other’s value based on their gifts. Paul was admonishing them that every part of the body is important and emphasizing the need for unity in the church. Paul lists the gifts and encourages believers to give their best, but he ends chapter 12 with this: “And now I will show you the most excellent way.” As excellent as the gifts are, love is better. I may develop and use my gift to its fullest and God may still bless someone with my service, but if I don’t love people, the value of my gift is diminished.
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. 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, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul considers our motivation in using our gifts. The Hebrew word for “gong” describes metal made of brass or copper mixed with tin – normally shaped into a drum that yielded a hollow, resounding noise. The non-believers inCorinth were steeped in pagan religions and rituals. The people danced wildly under the influence of drugs and alcohol while pagan priests beat their metal drums louder and faster to increase the frenzy. When Paul compared the unloving spirit to a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal, the Corinthian Christians could relate. They knew exactly what this empty worship sounded like because they heard the clamoring of it all day long.
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. – 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 is a picture of love. This isn’t a fluffy kind of love, it’s a deep, life-changing, life-shaping love. If we are willing to allow God to shape our lives into ones motivated by the kind of love Paul outlines in this chapter, our lives will make a significant difference for God – in our homes, our community and our world.
Why do you do what you do?
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