1 Corinthians 13:9-10 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.
We only see and understand a little of what is to be seen and understood about God and the ways of the world. Our knowledge is limited. Our prophesy is only part of God’s plan. Because of this, we should be humble before the all knowing and all seeing God. Human pride is a big problem that always leads to problems for ourselves and others. Pride involves putting ourselves before God and thinking we know a lot. This is a subtle temptation that comes even to believers. The Corinthians may have thought of themselves as full of knowledge and gifted with prophecy, but Paul shows in this letter (note 8:1-3) that these cannot replace love.
Verse 10 is in the form of a proverbial riddle. We must wonder to what “that which is perfect” refers. In the biblical context, this would refer to love (see Matthew 5:43-48; 1 John 4:12, 17). This association fits well with the current passage. Our goal in this life should be to perfect love in the likeness of Jesus Christ. We will reach this goal completely in this life, but we get closer day by day with the help of the Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). The gifts the Holy Spirit gives us now are meant to help the church fulfill its mission of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. They are temporary and not needed in heaven. Love, however, is the essence of heaven because it is the character of the Triune God. The more love we have now, the closer we get to what heaven will be like. Even here on earth, the more love we have for one another, the less the gifts are needed because we will be taking on more of God’s character in our lives and the closer we become to the image in which Adam and Eve were made. This is our goal in life.
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