1 Corinthians 13:5
(Love) does not act improperly,
is not selfish, is not provoked,
and does not keep a record of wrongs.
is not selfish, is not provoked,
and does not keep a record of wrongs.
This chapter on love most commonly heard next to marriage vows interestingly enough appears in the middle of a discussion on spiritual giftings and serving the local church.
Chapter 12 spoke of the “body” of Christ assembled as the local church and chapter 14 will continue to speak with more detail regarding the local church, its order and the gifts of individuals serving the church.
What is most important in all of this is love.
More important even than your individual gift is using whatever you do with love to serve the church.
Love is not selfish and self-seeking.
Love is not provoked.
It doesn’t seek glory for itself by getting more noticeable gifts or acknowledgement.
It doesn’t get jealous if someone else is gifted greatly for His service.
Love through the mud.
Clearly it is our calling.
1 Corinthians 13:12
For now we see indistinctly, as in a mirror,
but then face to face.
Now I know in part,
but then I will know fully,
as I am fully known.
but then face to face.
Now I know in part,
but then I will know fully,
as I am fully known.
We will know and be known fully and completely finally forever.
It will happen one day.
All the misunderstanding between people in both directions and between people and their God will be done away with forever.
No more assumptions and speculations.
No more junk like jealousy and provocation.
No more seeds of self-seeking.
Clear, face to face, distinct truth and grace.
Love through the mud.
Clearly it is our only hope.
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