Our scripture this morning is 1 Corinthians 13:9-13.
For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. And now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.
In 1 Corinthians 12-14 Paul gives a beautiful lesson on becoming mature Christians. He uses the analogy of humans growing and learning about worldly things, and how faith, hope and love affect our spiritual growth. He focuses on how without these our gifts can’t function.
He speaks of our spiritual knowledge becoming whole as we grow in Christ, and the need to “put an end to childish ways”, the things the world tells us are important. Those who follow Jesus “will know fully” and be fully known by Him.
This passage ends with the affirmation “the greatest of these is love.” God’s love is the very source of our being, both the motivator and the energy for all good gifts. Through this we can share His love with everyone.
Heavenly Father, we give You thanks for everything You have given us, especially our savior Jesus Christ. May we grow in Your love and go in Your name that everyone may know You. Amen.
