Loving Like Christ
1Co 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
1Co 13:2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
1Co 13:3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
The Corinthians had placed much emphasis on the miraculous gifts of the Spirit listed in chapter 12 of 1Corinthians. Paul stated that the purpose of the gifts was to edify the church, not divide it. Some believers apparently felt superioir to others and wanted to have a place of preeminence, which led to a state of confusion. This was a carnal attitude and only Paul's prescription of "a more excellemt way" (12:31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. ) could reunite the church.
There can be no greater sign of God's grace in a life than the possession of love. It is a far more eloquent way of communicating than the gift of words, whether of men or of angels. Our words may be misunderstood, but never our love; love is the universal language.
1Co 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
1Co 13:5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
1Co 13:6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
1Co 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
One of the outstanding characteristics of love is its concern for the well being of others. It recognizes the other person's weaknesses and failures and expresses itself in patience. Love not only forgives seven times, but it forgives "seventy times seven". Passively, love endures the wrongs of others; and actively returns good because it is kind. There is no feeling of "getting even" where true love exists.Love is always pleased when the one loved is blessed in some manner, and it does not, even secretly, wish to receive the blessing instead. The presence of envy is evidence of the absence of love.
Jesus taught us to "love thy neighbor as thyself". When we think too much of ourselves, it is impossible to have a proper respect for others. This does not, however, mean we are to assume a false humility. Paul expressed this well in Rom 12:3 For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.
1Co 13:8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1Co 13:9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
1Co 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
1Co 13:11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
1Co 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
1Co 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.





