THURSDAY

1 Corinthians 13

Familiarity breeds contempt. It is an old saying, and, too often, at least some elements of it appear to ring true. A well-loved college professor once said, “Worship and preaching are not about saying what is new, but rather celebrating what is true.” But what is true can sometimes take a beating, even at the hands of those who profess to follow the one who embodies what is true. Even though Scripture is pretty clear about what is central, sometimes it is the old, often repeated but too often not fully appreciated, foundational values of our faith that fail to be appreciated, or in some extreme cases, are treated with contempt. This is perhaps one of the saddest and most concerning manifestations of the dysfunction that the fall has bequeathed to our families, churches, communities, and even our world. As such, as we think about what it means to live in a way that reflects the kind of healing that God brings to each of us, our families, the communities we are a part of, and ultimately to our world when Jesus returns again, it is appropriate that we return to that which is most central and most foundational, even if it is sometimes diminished, dismissed, or even mocked by those around us. Our passage today is one of the most eloquent descriptions of this quality, which is also a direct reflection of the character of God. It is familiar. It is one you may even be able to recite from memory. But it is still foundational, powerful, and worth celebrating. As you take some time to reflect once again on this well-known passage, think about these questions as well:

• There is so much to know, do, master, and accomplish! In what ways can these amazing things we are capable of become nothing more than noise if our primary grounding is not in love?

• How much do we rely on what we know, achieve, possess, or accomplish to feel significant or to define who we are? And how much does simply loving well shape our sense of identity, value, and purpose?

• As you reflect on the list of qualities that describe love, which do you find the most challenging? Which do you cherish the most?

• Realizing that John tells us that “God is Love” (1 John 4:8), how does this passage give you fresh insight into the character of God if you replace the word “love” with “God” in each of these verses (4-8)?

• Paul also describes coming to understand that love actually is not just one more thing among many others, but rather the one thing without which nothing else matters, as a matter of maturity. Where are the growing edges for yourself, for your community, or our involvement in the world on any level, where we still have some growing to do? Are we willing to embrace growth, or are we still resistant?

• What is the expectation that this passage leaves us with as we seek to continue to grow into a fuller, more mature expression of what it means to follow Jesus?

As you take a few moments to reflect on the passage, share with God in prayer what is stirring in your mind and heart.