Reading Plan:
1 Corinthians 13

Author: Kyle Warren

Love is a funny word in our language. I don't know of another single word that can carry such a variety of nuances. I love coffee. I love the church. I love my wife. All those statements are equally true, and yet at the same time, you understand that each mention of love is different. We most often understand the meaning of love according to the context in which it is used.

The Bible is not all that different. There are several different meanings of the word love throughout scripture. In the original language of the New Testament, Greek, they actually used different words to distinguish the different spaces that love can occupy. For example, the Greek word eros refers to romantic love-the love that is expressed between a husband and wife. Philia is another Greek word translated as love in our language. It is used to express brotherly love. Your love for your friends is not the same love you have for your spouse.

Here in 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul uses the third term, agape. This kind of love is an unconditional and sacrificial type of love. Many scholars refer to it as the highest level of love in scripture, because it is not as easily or freely given. Agape love is typically reserved to reference God's selfless love for His creation. It is demonstrated through actions thus it is an active love. It extends beyond feelings and emotions and into the realm of commitment and dedication. Agape love is God's love which is meant to be expressed in and through His church. 1 Corinthians 13, often referred to as the "love chapter," paints the clear picture that there is no religious activity that can match the impact that selfless love can have on the world around us.

When Jesus was asked what the most important directive a believer should follow, agape love was His answer. Pay attention to the order of Jesus' words in what we usually refer to as the "Great Commandment."

"And one of them, a lawyer, asked him a question to test him. 'Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?' And he said to him, 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.'" Matthew 22:35-40.

Love from and for God comes first. 1 John 4:19 says that we can express love only because we have experienced love from God first. Rest in God's unconditional, sacrificial love for you today. Then use His love for you to be an example of love to the world around you.


Reflection & Response:
• Reread 1 Corinthians 13 as an explanation of God's love for you. What characteristics of God's love stick out the most?

• Who are you called to love unconditionally?

HAVE KIDS?

Use the content below to dive deeper into the Bible Reading Plan with your family.

• Think of some things that you love. It may be your parents, pizza, your pet, your favorite sports team, or your toys. All of those things are really great, but love is much more than just a feeling. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul tells us that love is the most important spiritual gift, and we express love through our actions and attitudes. That love that we are to show others and to God comes because we have first been loved by God. Nothing compares to the truth that God is love. God demonstrated the greatest love by sending His son Jesus to die for our salvation.

• Showing love is not always easy. In fact, sometimes it can be very hard. Can you think of a time when it was hard to show someone love? How did you react?

• In verses 4-7, Paul describes what it looks like to show love. Use those verses to make a list of ways you can show love this week.

• Prayer: God, You are so loving! Thank You for loving me so much that you sent Jesus for me! God, help me make a new friend and tell them about Your love. Amen.