Re:Verse reading–1 Corinthians 13 (day two)
And I show you a still more excellent way. 12:31b
Like the tremendous teacher that Paul was, he spent the entirety of the previous chapter setting us up for this discourse on Love. When we truly understand our gifts in the context of love and surrender to Jesus, there is so much more clarity in our walk. Notice in chapter 13 how Paul uses the same gifts that he had discussed in detail in 12: tongues, prophecy, knowledge, faith. Now, however, he puts a qualifier on them all – LOVE. Without it the greatest gifts bestowed to us are useless. Too hard a word? I don’t think so. Everything seasoned with love is more powerful, more useful.
Do an inventory. What gifts have been given to you? How will love make them better?
In his commentary, William Barclay writes, “Love is the only thing which can bind the Church into a perfect unity; and Paul goes on to sing his hymn to love.” I thought you might appreciate that phrase!