read 1 Corinthians 13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2013&version=NIV
Paul now shifts his focus from gifts to the “most excellent way” (12:31b) to measure and express spirituality. That way is love, a quality so vital that without it not even the most significant of spiritual gifts can enrich the one who possesses them (13:1–3). And “love” is no abstract, philosophical notion. It is practical, observable, expressing itself in everyday actions and attitudes (vv. 4–7). Even the most significant of spiritual gifts remain limited, their exercise distorted by our own limitations and imperfections (vv. 8–12). Despite this, we can count on faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of the qualities which are foundational in Christian experience is love (v. 13).
It is love that is the measure of a person. It is love that is the measure of true spirituality, of true closeness in one’s relationship with the Lord.
Discussion question
How does love as described in this chapter compare to love as typically defined in our culture?
Reflection question
In looking at the characteristics of the perfect love (vv 4-7), which one of these areas are you the strongest in? What areas need working on?
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A little both. I think different in that verses 4 thru 8 is not seen. Again that brings up forgiveness I think too many times I see where a score is kept. Verse 4 & 5, I see quite a bit. But, I also see where the the chapter is true, Some families are loving to each other, and accept that person, and show love & kindness daily. I grew up in the different, My wife & family are the like this chapter. Which now I work on the like & I think the world would be a much better place if society worked to live according to this chapter.
ReplyDelete1 Corinthians 13 has been my favorite chapter in the Bible since I was a teenager. So much of the time in novels and entertainment media we see love defined as strong feelings ending in physical intimacy. There are actually many kinds of love:
ReplyDeleteA parent for a child
A child for a parent
Love for a wife or husband
Simple compassion for another human being
etc.
All of them have things in common, such as patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control and simply having respect for each other.