This post was originally published for Stones & Sparrows on May 16, 2016.
When you think about 1 Corinthians 13, what is the first thing that pops into your mind? I remember sitting in marriage counseling before our wedding (a mere fourteen years ago?!) and our pastor had us compile some things we wanted him to use in the service. Among a few other favorite Bible passages were these verses about love. Even now, when I read them, I think back to wedding dress shopping and meetings with the florist and long conversations about what marriage might look like. I don’t know how many times I’ve heard these verses read in the context of a wedding, but I promise you it’s too many to count.
When I read through 1 Corinthians 13, I always think about those characteristics in relation to humans and our capacity for love. I worry if I’m kind enough. I’m reminded that I lack any amount of patience at all. I’m jealous of my husband’s time and his other interests. I commend myself for loving him so well and I’m proud that our relationship is successful. I am rude. I do demand my own way. I’m often irritable and what woman doesn’t keep a record of wrongs, ready when she needs it? I want to rejoice when truth wins, but do I? I give up. I lose faith. My picture of love often looks nothing like the one scripture lays out for me.
During worship on Sunday morning, our pastor pointed us to 1 John 4:8, where scripture reminds us that God IS love. If God is love, then aren’t these verses in 1 Corinthians describing the very essence of God himself? I’ve never considered these as anything other than “wedding” verses, but maybe God is trying to paint a better picture for me of what His love looks like and how my love can look when I walk in communion with Him.
God is patient. 2 Peter 3:9 tell us He isn’t slow in keeping his promises, He is patient. He invites us to join His work, but he isn’t forceful or coercive. He waits patiently for our response. God is kind. He is impartial and shows love to everyone who will accept Him. He isn’t jealous or boastful or proud. Christ came of humble birth and lived a simple life, never wanting what others had or placing any emphasis on material things. He tells us over and over in the New Testament to leave everything behind in pursuit of holiness. He never boasted about his capabilities, even though He had the powers of heaven and earth at His command. He doesn’t demand His own way, instead he offers an invitation. He keeps no record of wrongs. In Psalm 103:12, we are reminded that He casts our sins as far away as the east is from the west. God does not rejoice in injustice, but fights for the lives of His children. He never gives up on us, no matter how many times we turn our back on Him. He never loses faith, He is always hopeful, and His love endures through every circumstance.
The next time you find yourselves in 1 Corinthians, consider replacing the word “love” with “God” and allow Him to teach you something new about His character and to remind you of the way we can love each other when we follow His lead.
“God is patient and kind. God is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. He does not demand His own way. He is not irritable and He keeps no record of being wronged. He does not rejoice about injustice, but rejoices when the truth wins out. God never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” -1 Corinthians 13:4-7
For tutorials and free downloads to use in your Bible, visit the Bible Journaling page to see thumbnails of my favorite posts. A few of my favorites are: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Bible Journaling | Handlettering Demo | My Favorite Journaling Supplies | What Do I Do? | Bible Process Photos | Kids in the Word | Navigating Inspiration.
