Fifty Two Weeks / 1 Corinthians 13

This is probably the most widely known and loved complete chapter in the New Testament. It likely rivals Psalm 23 for the most popular chapter in all of Scripture.

What is Love?

If you are familiar with this chapter at all you know that verses 4-7 contain the ultimate definition of God’s love. The Greek word here is “agape” and it was basically adopted by the New Testament writers to describe the love which God has for us and which He intends to flow through us. 

I won’t go into these defining characteristics here because you are likely familiar with them already; however, I do want to point out that each of the terms or phrases used to describe love is a choice. There isn’t an emotion in the entire group. Therefore this has nothing to do with how we feel and everything to do with what we choose. Anyone can make these choices, though in truth they can only become reality in our lives as we allow the Holy Spirit to empower us.

What Compares to Love?

Nothing. 

In a day where “faith” is touted as such a wonderful and powerful elements in the Christian life it is important to remember that without love faith is: nothing.

In a day where the gifts of utterance, tongues and prophecy, are esteemed highly by many it is important to remember that without love these things are: nothing.

Even for those who strive to serve others giving away their resources and their very selves it is important to remember that without love we have gained: nothing. (This may seem impossible but consider that at times we are motivated by a desire to win the admiration of others by touting what we do, or we may even be motivated by that warm glow received by condescending to the “little people” below us. This isn’t love.)

Nothing often looks like something in the eyes of man, but in the eyes of God nothing is: zip, zero, nada.

What Can Love Do?

Anything.

Love never fails. There are times when it looks as if love has failed. The greatest example of this (in every way) is the cross. The cross was the greatest victory in all of time and space. It was also the greatest act of love in all of time and space. That is no coincidence. That is an immutable law. Love never fails. Always remember that love never fails. 

Love is greater than faith and love is greater than hope. The fruit of the Spirit is love. The mark of a disciple is love. 

God is love.

Did I mention that love never fails? (Just checking to be sure we are paying attention.)