1 CORINTHIANS 13:4-7

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

TO PONDER

These are often referred to as the wedding verses, but the situation at the church in Corinth, whom Paul was addressing with these verses, was very different from the one where two happy people are cementing their love, making their vows before the altar and a peaceful congregation. The church at Corinth was made up of Jews who had held positions in the synagogue, Greeks who were proud of their heritage and culture, slaves [it was said there were 4000 slaves in Corinth] and passing traders. The congregation was divisive and did not have love at it’s centre; it was conflict-ridden.  Paul does not romanticize love; he says it is something we have to work at, and he goes on to explain what love does and what love does not do.  He was asking the Corinthians to create an accepting attitude: one of love, faith and hope – the three things renewed in us following Jesus’ resurrection.

In our everyday life, we can experience difference and division in our families, our workplaces, our communities, and sadly, in our churches. Paul was saying to the Corinthians that to show love was to begin to understand each other, to accept that differences can heal divisions, which will lead to acceptance and a healthy, growing church that non- Christians will take notice of.   Today’s world has many challenges, including a lack of understanding and tolerating differences and regular segregation and exclusion. May we follow Paul’s exhortation to put Love first and shine it into the divisive and difficult situations we may face.

Prayer:Father God, you loved us first, and we just need to look at the risen Jesus’ nail-scarred hands and feet and the wound in his side to really know what love is. Please help me to always work at loving others, whether they are in my family, workplace, community, or church. Help me to foster acceptance, understanding and peace. Amen

Today's devotion written by Maureen Macpherson, LifeWay Newcastle