I am grateful for Your presence, Father. The direction I need to go is clear with You close at hand. May I always be mindful of that. Amen.
1 Corinthians 13:8-13 (<<click here to read the passage)
One of the greatest challenges on this side of eternity is that we tend to be stuck in tunnel vision mindsets. In almost every aspect of life, we know what we know and are not usually very receptive to changing our perspectives. We just don’t do well when it comes to understanding people outside of what we think is right and proper, or for that matter, outside of what we hold as our societal norm.
I could rattle off a half dozen of them right now, but unfortunately, there would be those who would go off – some greatly so – if it did not align with their mindset. Here’s a short list of highly polarizing issues: politics, homosexuality, abortion, trans-issues (one gender identifying as another gender), alcohol, and marijuana. People can be very verbal and nasty, to say the least, when someone of another mindset expresses their opinion.
I hesitate even writing these things out because I can feel people’s blood beginning to boil at the mere mention of them. In our arrogance, we think we know everything. We know, without the slightest bit of hesitation, that we cannot be wrong. Going down either side of this handful of issues, someone on the “other” side would explode with hatred and anger.
In wrapping up his “love” chapter, Paul makes statements regarding love being the greatest of everything he has spoken – faith, hope, and spiritual gifts included.
When we step into eternity, we will realize that,
For now [in this time of imperfection]… and this is referring to the here and now in our lives …we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God]. v12 AMP
My Life Application Study Bible states that – God gives believers spiritual gifts for their lives on earth…to build up, serve, and strengthen fellow Christians. The spiritual gifts are for the church.
Love never fails [it never fades nor ends]. But as for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for the gift of special knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part [for our knowledge is fragmentary and incomplete]. But when that which is complete and perfect comes, that which is incomplete and partial will pass away. vs8-10 AMP
In eternity, we will be made perfect and complete and…in the very presence of God. We will no longer need the spiritual gifts, so they will come to an end. Then, we will have a full understanding and appreciation for one another as unique expressions of God’s infinite creativity. We will use our differences as a reason to praise God! Based on that perspective, let us treat each other with the same love and unity that we will one day share.
And now there remain: faith [abiding trust in God and His promises], hope [confident expectation of eternal salvation], love [unselfish love for others growing out of God’s love for me], these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is love. v13 AMP
Jan 11th, 2024, Thurs, 10:23 am
