After Paul established the church in Corinth he had received negative reports so he writes this letter. Leading up to this chapter Paul has written about the sacredness of communion (c11), spiritual giftings (c12), and being unified in diversity.
Paul now explains the importance of love. He writes, “But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way.” 1 Corinthians 12:31
Notice Paul writes, “yet I show you” before personalizing the next section of the letter, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
No matter how gifted we might be. No matter what we might have to offer practically or spiritually it doesn’t matter if we aren’t being the example of love. Examine the relationships you have in the church, with your family, at work, and in your neighborhood… can you say you’re an example of loving others? Loving God? Before we share with people how to love we must first be the example of love.
Can you say, “yet I show you”? If not, stop and pray. Ask God to give you His supernatural love in those areas of your life. Pray for those you need to love. As you commit to spending time with the Lord and praying to love others watch as the Holy Spirit guides you with those relationships.
- To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.