Faith & Love: A One Year Bible Reading Plan - Part 9Sample

In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul's teaching on love fits firmly into the context of chapters 12 and 14. These sentences have a somewhat different style than the surrounding words, suggesting Paul might have inserted something he'd written previously into this section.

These are not meant to be a diversion; however, lack of love was at the heart of most of the Corinthians' problems and divisions.

One key scripture in this chapter is 1 Corinthians 13 verse 7 – Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”

Paul was explaining to the Corinthians all the characteristics of the grace of Godly love that need to be present for it to be Love.

Another scripture that stood out is in verse 13:

“Three things will last forever – faith, hope, and love – and the greatest of these is love.”

As Paul describes it, God's kind of love sets self aside, over and over, endlessly, for the good of others. All of the characteristics must be present for Godly love to indwell in us.

Spiritual gifts exist for the building up of the church now, but believers will live in love for eternity. Christ-like love is the greatest of all the virtues, and it should be the priority of every Christian.

Love described in 1 Corinthians 13 is best understood as a way of life, lived in imitation of Jesus Christ, that is focused not on oneself. Love is about action, how a person lives for the Lord and obeys Him, and how a person loves others and serves them.

A Question for practical application:

How can we ensure that love will remain visible in and through us even when we go through challenging circumstances?