In
this series, God's Love in You, we've been looking at what
1 Corinthians 13
has to teach us about true love, the love of God...In us! Last Mondy we
looked at 1 Cor. 13:8a, which teaches us that love never fails. After
this text, however, the chapter stops talking directly about love:
"Love never fails. But where there are
prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be
stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in
part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in
part disappears." (1 Cor. 13:8 NIV)
Interesting that
anything that has to do with knowledge, prophecies and tongues
will...disappear! But not genuine love! Why? Because love never fails!
If it fails, it isn't true love!
Have you ever heard
the God's Smuggler? This is a book written by Brother Andrew in the
Netherlands about his experiences taking Bibles into places where they
are not permitted. Lots of Christians have joined his ministry and
follow his example. These Christians put their lives on the line to go
into countries where there are very few Bibles and where those who have
them have to hide them for fear that they will be confiscated.
Interestingly, those
who have joined Brother Andrew in taking Bibles into these countries
usually find that despite the danger to themselves, they want to go
back. Why? Because they genuinely love the way God asks us to love. They
know that love is more important than prophecies or knowledge or
tongues. They understand that they only have partial knowledge and
partial prophecies, and these things will pass away. Only love will
last!
How does your love
measure up to this type of love? Remember: Love is a fruit of the Spirit
(see
Eph. 5:22-23),
and these fruits are produced in lives that are connected to the vine,
Jesus Christ. The closer you walk with God, the more you will reflect
His unfailing love, and the more this self-less love will shine through
you to the world around you.
Do you feel God is calling you to do
something, but you are afraid? Remember: "There is no fear in love. But
perfect love drives out fear..." (1 John 4:18 NIV). Spend some time with
God. Ask Him to help you love with His unfailing love! You'll be amazed
at the results, guaranteed!
Rob Chaffart