That scripture is some of the most popular verses throughout the entire Bible, and so many people misunderstand what it really is about. Anyway, I wanted to let you know right off the bat that this post applies to Christians and non-Christians. You'll see, soon.
Paul, the author of Corinthians, was basically chewing out the intended readers for being full of self-love, self-righteousness, and abusing their gifts. He felt that they weren't using them to their full potential. I guess we're all guilty of doing that at least once in our lifetimes. We're given these great gifts to lead, be athletes, or gifts of intelligence, and then we waste them.
Chapter 13 of 1 Corinthians was his solution.
A lot of people use that chapter as beautiful scripture to read at weddings or anniversaries, but it goes so much more beyond that. Look at the situation Paul was facing with the people of Corinth. He had to tell them how to be better people, better Christians, and draw others closer to God. They weren't using their gifts and abilities correctly or efficiently. And yes, this does apply to non-Christians.
Most decent human beings try to impact others in positive ways, partly because it's the right thing to do. Sometimes, it's a matter of our conscious decision to be better-liked instead of despised. Regardless, this scripture is so key to doing this.
Paul's a genius. I mean, why spend an entire book trying to explain how to be nice, how to be humble, and how to use the right words? Beyond that, why spend the time trying to explain the 10 Commandments, proper ways of conduct as Christians, and God knows what else? Instead, he just jumps into this next chapter about this thing called "love."
Not the feeling. He doesn't once talk about feeling, but rather in action. If I can speak all the right languages or say the right words but do not have love I AM NOTHING. If I can move mountains or if I give all my money to the poor but lack love in those actions, then those things are INSIGNIFICANT. Without love, everything either initially is or becomes nothing.
He tells them all these characteristics about love to end saying one thing: do all things in love. Make sure love is your motivation, that it's in your actions. Love others. And not just as you want to be loved, but as God loves you.
And that's the other thing about scripture people don't quite get. The Golden Rule. Treat others as you want to be treated. FALSE. It's love your neighbor as I have loved you. As Jesus loves you. Not as you want to be loved, but as God loves. Agape (ah-GAH-pay). That's God's love for ya. Love without conditions or motivations. Read the Gospel if you're looking for a story that depicts that.
Besides that, Paul is simply saying, in so many words: Disregard the prophecies, and don't worry about what I've taught you before... for now, just love as God loves you, and do all that you do in love.
That's what this scripture is about. Because that sums up the best (not always easiest) way to be a great person.
If you do all that you do in love, truly and genuinely, the chances that you'll break a Commandment is slim to none. If you do all that you do in love, you almost can't go wrong.
If you can't figure out how to follow scripture or all the specifics of religion or even living your own life, just make your focus to love others, and you're going to just fine. Do so without conditions, self-centered motivations, or compensation. Love in all you do, not just in hugs, kisses, and holding hands... but in all you do.
That's what Paul's saying, I think. Faith and hope are great things, but love is greater. Love is limitless. It enables you to do things that are limitless as well, if you do them in love.
I just wanted to share my thoughts with you on this. Anyway, have a nice day! :D
Like & share if you agree :p
(Of course, this is my interpretation of what I think Paul meant. You can draw many things from this, so I suppose there isn't a "wrong" way to interpret, just differing ways. Just wanted to clear that up.)
Random Fact of the Day: My girlfriend is an amazing and passionate writer. I envy her. Check out her latest post on abortion. It's both moving and factual. In fact, I'm going to make you want to visit it.
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