1 Corinthians 13
"So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three, but the greatest of these is love" (1 Cor 13:13).
In this chapter, Paul interrupts his discussion about spiritual gifts to discuss the most important thing in the Christian faith: love. He describes what love looks like.
We can do lots of good, spiritual things. But if we do not do them in love, they are nothing. Love must be the motivation for everything we do. To love is to say and do what is best for another person. It is to be loyal to that person no matter what.
Sometimes it is not easy to love. But true love bears all things and endures all things (v. 7).
I really value knowledge, but love is greater than knowledge (v. 2). Knowledge will pass away, but love will endure forever (v. 8).
So we must love. But how do we do this? Only by the power of God the Holy Spirit who dwells within us. We cannot live a life of love unless God makes it happen in us through his Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is love (Gal 5:22).
Father, help me to keep my eyes on your love for me. May I be filled with gratitude that I am loved unconditionally, and may I love others unconditionally. May I always build others up and never tear them down. Help our kids and the Weaver kids to love one another, too. And help me to love my workmates. In Jesus' name, amen.
- Jeff Coleman