1 Corinthians 13:8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away.
Love is the one permanent thing in the universe because it is God’s character and God is the author of it. Love is seen in the Trinity, the relationship between Father, Son, and Spirit. Love has always existed and will always exist. God sheds his love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit. We get to participate in the permanence of God by loving. We bring heaven to earth by loving. When we love others with the type of love God loves us, this will change everything. People can count on us. Our commitments and words are sure. We evidence integrity. Everything rests upon our love.
Other gifts will come and go. The great gifts that were important to the Corinthians were only temporary. Prophecy was only for a time and meant to bring people to God. Tongues are temporary and serve only to build up the church and evangelize the lost. Knowledge is important because it helps us understand the gospel. These gifts are meant to build up the church and help people come to believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They cannot replace love. Love is supreme and eternal. It is the essence of who God is and God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ.
This list of descriptions about love should help the Corinthians reprioritize their lives. This would have a major impact on the church and its witness in the world. Prioritizing love today can significantly impact every aspect of our lives, relationships, and the effectiveness of the church to fulfill God’s purposes for it in this world.
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