Fruits of the Spirit in Everyday LifeНамуна

The Greatest of These Is LOVE

Read: 1 Corinthians 13: 1-13

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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 completeness comes, what is in part 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 the ways of childhood behind me. For now we see only a 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.

Reflection on the passage:
We sometimes use the word “love” to describe a strong preference for a type of food, style, or activity, or to express a desire or need for another person. But love as described here is not primarily about our preferences or even needs. In fact, Paul says that love is not self-seeking, but instead seeks the well-being of others.

Of course, healthy loving relationships, whether family, friendships, or marriage, are characterized by mutual affection, bonds, and the meeting of one another's needs. But love, as a fruit of the Spirit, born out of God’s love dwelling within us, is about more than a mutually beneficial relationship. It is an expression of the very love of God toward others – both those close to us and those whom God is calling us to serve or serve alongside – even when loving is tough! When we allow the Holy Spirit to grow the fruit of His love in us, our love becomes more true – more patient, kind, forgiving, trusting, protecting, hopeful, honoring, and enduring. This Christ-like love does not hold past wrongs against another, but rejoices in what is good, right, and true for all involved.

All the fruits of the Spirit flow from this first fruit of love – God’s love for us, our love for God, and our love for others in God! Without love, even the gifts of the Spirit such as tongues, prophecy, and knowledge, as well as heroic sacrificial acts, are meaningless. May we too be compelled by the love of Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, grow in loving others at home, work, and in the wider world.

Focus verses for prayerful reflection:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, 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.” (1 Corinthians 13 verses 4-7)

1. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak to you in this passage and then read it slowly and prayerfully more than once. What word or phrase most stands out to you? Reflect on why that’s standing out and if there is an invitation from Jesus in this.
2. What feels really difficult or even impossible in this description of love? Talk with Jesus about this, and invite His work within you.