But the greatest of these is love.
I Corinthians 13:13
Perhaps now more than ever before in our lifetime, the world stands in great need of love over hate. So as Christ followers, let’s check our love.
Love represents the most significant trait of one who professes to follow Jesus. From God’s Word, I Corinthians 13 helps us to develop in our love for others, and to better discern where we may be lacking. Although most often read in wedding ceremonies, this Biblical passage offers a much more widely intended range. The truths of this chapter should be viewed as an appraisal of what matters most over all others practices of faith and religion, for this is indeed the context. While all other functions within the church have been given significant value, this passage reminds us that the greatest act of all, even compared to faith and hope, is love. Love is indeed the most necessary expression of our faith (I Corinthians 13:1-3):
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.
Beginning today, we enter into a practical study of I Corinthians 13. Verse four opens a series of descriptions concerning the expressions of love expected in every Christian.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
An initial expression of love every follower of Jesus should embody is patience, and the emphasis here reaches further than merely tolerance of a person or situation. Patience expressed as love reveals how we are to suffer long with someone, even though that one may be offensive toward us in some way. In Colossians 3:13, we are reminded to bear with one another, and forgive, as the Lord forgave. To bear with one another expresses patience. This is also known as forbearing one another. The ultimate motivation to forbear others is the fact that Jesus has forgiven us. And we must also remember that many times we need others to forbear with us when we act unlovable. So true Christian love is patient with one another.
Second, our love should demonstrate kindness. While this is indeed a basic trait expected even from our earliest years, the Scriptures remind us that kindness is no small matter, as it is a named gift of the Holy Spirit’s presence in one’s life (Galatians 5:22-23). From the language of the Scriptures, the term kindness indicates that which is expressed through service. Is a genuine spirit of kindness revealed in how you treat others? Can your treatment of others be characterized as service you would offer to Jesus?
Third, love is not jealous. Love does not portray envy. We must not become jealous of the gifts and graces that may exist in another but not in ourselves. This is a significant prohibition, for jealousy can actually mean “to heat up,” thus causing resentment toward another. And love and resentment always stand opposed to the other.
Fourth, we are reminded that love is not arrogant.” Love does not brag nor boast in self. Love is never puffed up. This directive instructs against self-pride and self-promotion, especially at the expense of others. Instead, love looks out for the betterment and promotion of the other person, for we are never more like Christ than when laying ourselves down for another.
In summary, true Christian love expresses patience and kindness. This love avoids feelings of jealousy and does not in any way operate out of pride or self-promotion.
So today, rate your love based upon this Biblical criteria. And seek to live out the greatest of our expressions of faith: genuine Christ-like love.
Blessings.
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Read I Corinthians 13:1-4 and ask God to renew and refresh your love for others, especially those closest to you.
