Love Never Fails

I Cor.13: “Love Never Fails"

What is the greatest virtue? The Bible claims that love is the preeminent virtue, far outdistancing the competition. I Cor.13 contains some of the most familiar verses in the Bible. These words should be engraved into every crevice of our lives. In a hierarchy of goals, the goal of becoming a skilled lover should tower above the rest.

Paul’s words are wedged between lengthy sections of a discussion about gifts. As important as our gifting is, the practice of those gifts is meaningless without love. If I became the world’s greatest orator or someone who could raise the dead or a Christian martyr, such deeds ring up as a big fat zero in God’s account books if I don’t have love. There is nothing that can replace a lack of love.

Paul’s definition of love is enlightening -- and discouraging! We must remember that the Christian life is about progress, not perfection. The danger is that we become people who “merely listen to the Word.” James tells us that the person who “listens to the Word but does not do what is says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and ... immediately forgets what he looks like.” Instead, we must be people who look “intently” into God’s word and “continue to do this.” (Ja.1:22-25). As we go through these characteristics of love, pick out one or two areas you want to work on throughout the week. Ask God to alert you to opportunities before you have responded in unloving ways.

This Week's Assignment: Continued study of I Cor.13.