First Corinthians thirteen is a very popular chapter in the Bible. I’ve heard many sermons about it. I’ve heard it referenced many times, especially in relation to weddings. As a child, I sang songs about the chapter in VBS. Most churches and households have a print of the chapter. Christians and non-Christians alike often quote the chapter. But do we really know what it means?
There are numerous books, songs, articles, studies, sermons, television shows, movies, etc. all explaining one view about love and what it means. How often have we heard someone ask, “What is love?” and “What does it mean?” I think we’ve all wondered this ourselves. It can be confusing to know what true love is. And no, I’m not just talking about romantic love. (That’s a whole different story!) What about the love that you feel toward your family, friends, even strangers? The Bible talks a lot about love: love your neighbor as you love yourself (Matthew 22:39; Mark 12:31), love covers all wrongs (Proverbs 10:12), love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8), let all that you do be done in love (1 Corinthians 16:14). First Corinthians thirteen gives us answers as to what true love is. This love is not romantic love, but it certainly applies to the love that you feel toward your significant other.
Verses four to eight seems self-explanatory: Love is patient and kind, isn’t envious or boastful, isn't disrespectful or selfish, isn’t easily angered or a keeper of wrongs, it doesn’t delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. It never fails! But how often do we really think about these verses and apply it to our relationships? How often do we still ask, “What is love?” These verses answer completely. If you love someone, whether it be your friend, family member, or significant other, then you must be patient with them. Be kind. Don’t be envious of them or boastful of yourself. Don’t be disrespectful of that person. Don’t only think of yourself, think of others. Don’t become angry with little things. Don’t keep a record of all of the person’s sins — forgive! Don’t delight in dark, sinful things, but celebrate God’s truth! Be sure to protect your loved one. Trust that person. Hope. Never give up. That is true love! Anything else is not following God’s definition of love.
Something else that is fascinating about this chapter that we often overlook is the fact that love never fails. Paul, the author of Corinthians, is talking about spiritual gifts in chapter twelve. When he begins to talk about love in chapter thirteen, he is saying that we cannot perform our spiritual gifts without love. Without love, everything is meaningless. And this love that God wants us to have, it will never ever fail! This point stuck with me when my Bible professor told me that we will not need hope or faith in heaven. But we will always need love, even in heaven! This is why it is so important to read the whole Bible and not take verses out of context. First Corinthians thirteen is not speaking about only romantic love. This love is love that we need to have for everyone and when ministering. This is the true love that we all need, a kind of love that will never ever fail.
