New Testament in a Year

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13
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Today in First Corinthians chapter 13 we will read verses that you have likely heard many times at many weddings. It is the “Love” chapter of the Bible. This chapter goes way beyond just romantic or marital love – it gets at how we live our very lives each and every moment in relationship to all of creation. In verses 1 through 3 we read: “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not 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 have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” How do these verses speak to you? Do you notice the juxtaposition of the concept of love and the concept of nothingness? Do you see that without love there is nothing? Do you believe that if we live our lives without love, we are nothing? Even if we have amazing spiritual gifts. Even if we have faith that can move mountains. Even if we give away all of our possessions to the poor. If we do not have love, we are nothing. We gain nothing. We give nothing. Do you see how important love is in our lives? Do you see that we must live each and every day from a starting point of love? Why do you suppose Paul spends this entire chapter telling us about the importance of love? Do you think that God is love and wants us to be love as well? I love (pun intended 🙂 how this chapter ends: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” Amen and amen.

Bible.org’s commentary on today’s readings in First Corinthians titled “What Is This Thing Called Love?” is at this link and “But The Greatest of All These…” is at this link. (this second commentary link focuses in on “agape” love and is phenomenal – please read!)

Worship Video: Today’s readings in First Corinthians 13 inspired this beautiful song by Brandon Heath called “Love Never Fails:”

Are you experiencing love that never fails? Click here for true Love!

Please join us in memorizing and meditating on a verse of Scripture today: “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinthians 13:13 (NIV)

Prayer Point: Pray that you are filled with Christ’s love. Pray that you are sharing and giving love to others in your life continually. Pray that love is the greatest gift that you receive and give each and every day.

Comments from You:  What verses or insights stand out to you in today’s readings?  Please post up by clicking on the “Comments” link below!

God bless,
Mike

p.s. I would greatly appreciate it if you would pray for this Bible Blog ministry today! Please also consider partnering with us by financially supporting this ministry. Thank you!