Virtues of true love
Key Verses: 1, 4, 8, 11,
This chapter is about the best way to function as a coherent, functioning unit in the church. Although it is quoted at many weddings, this is really about how to get along with each other in the church. This is Paul’s answer to the things raised in chapter twelve. Devaluing other people will not happen when love is present and in charge.
Paul tells us that we can have all sorts of outward spiritual acts coming from our lives, but if love is not present, it is all worthless, just a bunch of noise. If they don’t value each other in the body, they are missing the point. Love demonstrates that Christ is present and that He makes a difference where nothing else can. If we say we are Jesus-followers, but love is not demonstrated, then we are fake.
This is what love looks like, Paul says, and he gives us a quick list of love’s attributes. Patient, kind, with a proper understanding of who we are and who others are, forgiving, even tempered, positive, protecting, trusting, hoping, and never gives up. The best earthly loves fall short sometimes, but when this kind of love is present, miracles happen. When a body of believers strives for this, lives are changed. Love lasts longer than any of the outward spiritual acts.
Immature believers get focused on the outward spiritual acts. It is natural as we begin a journey to focus on the fundamentals we can understand. When learning a new sport, you learn the rules and how those rules are applied. Then you can begin to play the game. But that does not mean you have mastered the game. The same is true in our walk with Christ. In the beginning we focus on the Word, prayer, and fellowship. These help us get our footing, but love is the goal, not a mechanical practice of these three. These three continue, but now the focus should become love working in us and through us. When love is the focus, then be can mature.
I love watching my grandchildren master the simple tasks in life. But learning to walk is not the endgame. Walking is just a means to accomplish something much more important. They continue to walk, but then they learn to run and give me a big hug! That is the purpose of walking, giving grandparents hugs!
Prayer is important, but it is only a means to express love. The same is true with the Word and with fellowship, and any other spiritual discipline or expression. They are only a means to love better. Just as my grandchildren will continue to walk, so we continue with the basic disciplines, but now they are channeled toward the greater goal of love. They are not the goal themselves, but only foundational stepping stones to love.
The Arnold Journey 