The description of love in 1 Corinthians 13 is a beautiful message. This is why it’s read at important events like weddings or scripted on many decoration items. Phrases like “Love is patient and kind” and “Love does not insist on its own way” or “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” show us a wide landscape of the important characteristics of love. The words are poetically written and give us something to hope for and to strive for in our relationships with others. While it can easily be read aloud at a special celebration of love or hung on a wall, living out these phrases is not quite as easy.
It’s important to remind ourselves that these words are not just intended to be a nice thought, but they really are supposed to be lived out. In fact, this Greek word for love, agape, that is used in this passage is defined as more than just a feeling of brotherly love or romantic love. It extends beyond emotions, and is a selfless and unconditional love, one that shows faithfulness and sacrifice. It’s the love that Jesus not only taught, but also showed through his interactions with others. It was a love that lifted others up and a love that led him to the cross.
If we think about trying to live out these attributes of agape love described in 1 Corinthians 13, or following the example of Jesus in loving others, we realize we often fall short. While human love can be pretty powerful and strong, it is not without fault. We can only experience love today because of God’s love toward us first. This agape love is not only a characteristic of God, it’s the very essence of who God is. And it’s only through a connection with God that we can love in these ways. It is the power of God’s work in our life that we can show love, even to those who are the hardest to love. John 15:17 says, “This is my command: Love each other.” The 16 verses prior to this are important to understand how we can live out this commandment of Christ. Jesus describes himself as the vine and that we are the branches. We have to stay connected to the Vine so that we can bear the fruit, which shows that we are true disciples.
Spend some time today and this week to really abide with God. Find ways to connect to the True Vine. As you experience God’s love for you, may it empower you to share this wonderful love with others. It’s not just a nice thought, but a necessary action.
– Amy Givens, Director of Youth Ministry
