03/02/2023
Corinthians 13:1-13
If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
The history of the love chapter reflects from a letter written by Paul the z prophet. Paul wrote this letter to the church because at that time the church was a hot mess.
We need to manage and govern ourself accordingly. In chapter 12, Paul was talking about spiritual gifts. The Corinthians abused their spiritual gifts.
The love that Paul was taking about was an action love, agape love, self sacrificing love. Paul told the Corinthians three things.
Love is essential- upmost importance, necessary, and motivating factor behind our actions. If we don't act in love, we are doing nothing.
Our body is one with many members. What does this have to do with love. It has everything to do with why me must love.
We have to know that we are participating in church for the right reason. That right reason is love.
Love God
Minister AJ Shepperson