1 Corinthians 13 reminds me of my wedding ceremony. This chapter is quoted often in relation to marital love. I recall our pastor breaking down these verses, and applying them to the union we were creating. It is interesting to note that Paul was describing Christian love. Today’s lesson is about the solid foundation upon which to build a “Happily ever after”. Paul begins with one of the most profound truths ever written about preaching: “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.” He is literally saying that you can say the right words, but without the right attitude, those words are just noise. This is true for non-preachers too. Paul adds that even if he has “all knowledge, and… faith… give all I possess to the poor… but do not have love, I gain nothing.” That means good works and good intentions are worthless if the motivation is to make yourself feel good. Put another way; giving knowledge or gifts while treating someone as inferior is not a blessing. Love plus respect multiply the blessing to both giver and recipient.
The next section is as meaningful today as it was the day we made our vows. Each word alone is important, but the real power is when they are combined together. Paul explains: “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.” The attitude expressed is appropriate toward a child learning to tie shoes as well as with your neighbor. The verse continues: “It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking…”. Here we see the divergence between biblical love and worldly lust. The verse continues: “it is not easily angered…”. In truth, those closest to us evoke the greatest passions, but notice the inclusion of “easily”. When we are easily angered, there is an existing irritant, ready to spark. Old wounds, old insecurities and old resentment can quickly ignite new conflict. Paul adds, love “keeps no record of wrongs.” That does not mean we ignore; it means we forgive. Paul inserts a verse that seems incongruent: “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.” He is saying that celebrating someone’s calamity is evil. Rejoicing in truth means we do not embrace rumors; we wait for facts. Paul wraps up with a summary: “It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” Remember, Paul is not writing to his soulmate. He is saying that all followers of Christ should reflect these attributes to everyone.
The next sentence could stand alone: “Love never fails.” The word used here is “Agape”, which is an all-encompassing, benevolent, sacrificial love. The love of God that flows through us. Please note that Paul does not say that this is reciprocal. If you love with the expectation of receiving an equal return, your motivation is wrong, and you will be disappointed. Paul’s focus is on eternity. He explains: “When I was a child… I thought like a child… When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.” He links the maturation process to our limited spiritual understanding: “For now we see only a reflection… Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” That means we cannot fully comprehend what it will be like “when completeness comes”. He closes the chapter with little fanfare. Paul says, for now, that is while we are living here on earth, three things remain with us: “faith, hope and love.” Specifically, he means, Faith in Christ, the confident expectation of His return, and the benevolent affection of the Father. Without qualification, Paul says, “the greatest of these is love.” I think the reason is that faith and hope can reside in the individual, but love reaches out to others. Love continues to risk being rejected. Loves continues to be open. Love continues to invite. Friend, do you want to live happily ever after? God’s love is unconditional. Jesus has made all the arrangements. He has demonstrated His eternal love. Will you finally say “I do”?