When I started to
write this article, I had some specific ideas in mind. However, earlier I was
reading this book about love, and I came across 1 Corinthians 13 where the
writer was exploring the different characteristics of love. I thought to myself:
“I have heard enough lessons on 1 Corinthians 13. I have studied that passage
of scripture in French, Creole, English and Greek – I have preached on it
several times, taught several Bible classes on it, and read it at several weddings
and once at a funeral.” So, my “preacher-self” thought, “What could I possibly
learn that I already didn’t know.”
That
was a spirit of arrogance in me, because the next few chapters I read humbled
me. Sometimes, it is not about learning something new – it is about being
reminded of what we already know but fail to put in practice every now and then.
Beloved, I felt compelled to keep on reading, and I feel compelled to write
about love and encourage you to spend some time with 1 Corinthians 13 – it will
edify your soul. Those of you who are familiar with this passage of Scripture,
I beg you not to think it is redundant nor allow the spirit of arrogance to
stop you from reading it again and again. Because it is always the right time
to talk about love – It is always the right time to love – It is always the
right time to be reminded of God’s love.
To
fully appreciate Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 13, we need to me mindful of the
context and the reason why he wrote this letter (1 Corinthians). Paul was
instrumental in the establishment of the Corinthian Church (3:5-17), and he
genuinely loved that Church. Over time, people started to fight among
themselves within the community, as they dealt with many issues that can be
divisive (money, marriage, sex, law, judging people, worship, dress code, role
of men and women, spiritual gifts, etc.). Paul spent 12 chapters teaching them
on these matters, and at the end of chapter 12 he said, “Let me now show you
a way of life that is best of all.” Then Paul introduced his audience to
the answer to all their problems, LOVE. Paul started by saying “If I speak in the
tongues of men or of angels, but do not have 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to
hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”
Basically, Paul wanted them to understand – he wants all
of us to understand that we are nothing without love. Whatever we do in
life means nothing without love. Whatever we may accomplish in life means
nothing without love. Whoever we become in life means nothing without love – unconditional,
genuine love. Love is the best way to live life, because it is the one
thing that can really binds us all together in perfect harmony (Colossians 3:
14). And the reason why love can bind us together in perfect harmony it is
because “Love is
patient, love is kind. Love does not envy, love does not boast, love is
not proud. Love does not dishonor others, love is not selfish, it is not
easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love
does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always
perseveres. Love never fails.” These are qualities that we all need in life.
Beloved, the best way to live life, the best way to live together, is “LOVE.” Everything must stem from our love for God and our love for one another.
I love you all,
Donny Pierre