1 Corinthians 13, coming from Paul, is one of the famous chapters in the New Testament that has deeply impacted Christian thinking. I remember singing songs as a young adult based on the words. The chapter talks about love. “All the world needs now is love, sweet love!”
This week we will look at five such famous writing from Paul and four other writers:
- Peter, the preacher on Pentecost who first explained the Gospel and explained the implications of being “born again,”
- James, the brother of Jesus was the first pastor of the Jerusalem church and explained some practicalities of faith,
- John, the beloved disciple spelled out implications of the love of 1 Corinthians 13.
We’ll start with Paul. Love is a word we throw around these days and which Hollywood has made lots of movies about. Many of us have been scarred by dreams broken, hopes unmet, and promises not lived out. We have cried with our children and grandchildren who have been hurt. Empty words without love are like clanging symbols. Actions and knowledge are empty if there is no love or relationship. And deeds of bravery done selfishly are not laudable. We look for love at the core of relationship.
Paul lists many characteristics of love but summarizes that love does not fail. Faith, hope and love are important but “the greatest of these is love.” “For now we see only a reflection 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.” Only God loves perfectly and we only experience love now through the lens of sin but one day we will meet God and we will know true unfailing love.
Perhaps you can think of someone who showed love to you. What might be three adjectives to describe that experience? How did it impact your life and change you? Is there someone who needs your love today? We might be rebuffed but let us still try. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 