1 Corinthians 13, January 28-February 3, Year C:

This chapter must be viewed in its proper context to be understood in all its richness and biblical significance.  It is set in the midst of a section of 1 Corinthians in which the apostle Paul is talking about the conduct and relationship of church members to one another.  It is not just a love poem, a political romance, or a piece of abstract idealism.  It has concrete application, especially within and among the church.

 

It describes what holy and perfect love should be.  It is essential for us to understand the kind of love for which we are to strive within the church.  This kind of love is not in conflict with God's character, His laws, or His truth.  It is the kind of love which only begins to exist as a Christian and a church grow toward spiritual maturity in Christ.

 

The kind of love mentioned here does not require Christians to condone wrongdoing in those they love; but it does require us to believe the best possible about those within the church until proven otherwise. 

 

I have been in church situations where church members would believe the gossip of a non-Christian before they'd believe  the statements of someone in their own congregation when a dispute arose.  This is not a demonstration of genuine Christian love in the fashion of 1 Corinthians 13. 

 

This passage does require us to put the interests of those we love ahead of our own.  It does suggest that a church can have all the advantages of wealth, reputation, activities, doctrine, and prominence in the community and still be a failure because it doesn't have love.

 

Most of the concrete applications and principles taught here are easy to discern.  This love is not just a fleeting passion or temporary emotion; it is an attitude, and an act of the will.  It is a state of mind and a force which masters the believer.  While this chapter is talking primarily about the love within and among the church members, it assumes first and foremost the love for God that is part of the Christian life.  We love those within the church whom we may not like in the natural sense.  A careful reading of the chapter will provide ample food for reflection as you seek to give clarity and exposition of the passage in you own words and your own situation.  Just remember that love is a fruit of the Spirit.