Reading With the People of God - #6 LOVEНамуна

Memorization Challenge:1 Corinthians 13:1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.

So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Reading Primer: Living in the Hope of Christ’s Presence.

As you reflect on today’s readings, consider how Christ’s presence brings comfort, guidance, and hope in all circumstances. Psalm 34 celebrates God’s goodness and the assurance that He is near to the brokenhearted. David’s words, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” invite us to personally experience the care and deliverance that Christ offers to those who trust in Him.

In Deuteronomy 31:14-29, Moses prepares the Israelites for his departure, knowing they will face challenges and temptation. Yet, he emphasizes that God’s Word and presence will remain with them, pointing us to Christ, who promises to never leave or forsake us. Even in times of difficulty, Christ’s enduring presence strengthens us to remain faithful.

1 Thessalonians 4 calls us to live lives pleasing to God, especially as we await Christ’s return. Paul encourages believers to live in purity, love one another, and find hope in the resurrection. This passage reminds us that our daily walk with Christ is shaped by the hope of His coming and the promise of eternal life.

These scriptures together call us to trust in Christ’s goodness, live faithfully in His presence, and anticipate His return with hope.

Prayer of Illumination:
Lord Jesus, as we read Your Word today, open our hearts to Your presence in our lives. Help us to trust in Your goodness, live faithfully as we await Your return, and find hope in Your promises. Strengthen us to reflect Your love and grace each day. Amen.