Highlights:

The Bible assures us of temptations. Call on God; He will provide a way to remain faithful (I Cor. 10:13). All we do should glorify God (10:31-33). The Body of Christ working together wins (chap. 12)! Love described and explained (chap. 13).

Surprising as it may seem to the world, from God's point of view it is more important to be known for your loving-kindness, thoughtfulness, and consideration of others than for being a famous evangelist, preacher, or teacher. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal (I Cor. 13:1).

It is also more important to be known as one who loves, just as God loves, than for being the most prominent prophetic speaker in the world. Paul went on to describe this God-given ability to love: Though I have the gift of prophecy (forth or foretelling), and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing — worthless to God (13:2).

Charity suffereth long, and is kind (13:4). It vaunteth not itself, does not brag with inflated ideas of its own importance, meaning it does not insist on its own way and is never rude to anyone. Neither is it self-seeking, quick to take offense, or resentful. Love does not think evil of anyone. This God-kind of love is very patient — never envious or boastful.

Another dimension of love is that it doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil (13:5), meaning it is tactful, it gives love without expecting love in return, and it is willing to forgive. Love has a way of making us more concerned for the feelings and rights of others and less preoccupied with our own. The love that God gives keeps us from always trying to grab the best for ourselves or taking advantage of others.

Love also has a way of keeping us from listening to people who are anxious to pass on the latest gossip about the faults and failures of other brothers or sisters in Christ.

Love beareth all things . . . endureth all things (13:7) without getting frustrated or angry. Charity never faileth (13:8), regardless of whether it is for friends, difficult people, or strangers. Every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love (I John 4:7-8).

Thought for Today:

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same? (Matt. 5:46).

Word Studies:

10:24 another's wealth the well-being of others; 10:25 shambles meat market; 11:11 man without the woman independent of; woman is essential to man; 11:13 comely proper; 12:2 dumb mute; 12:11 severally individually; 12:24 tempered united, assembled, combined; 12:25 schism division; 13:1 charity love; 13:12 now we see through a glass, darkly all we are capable of knowing now is partial and incomplete.

Cross References:

For I Cor. 10:7: See Ex. 32:6. I Cor. 10:26: See Ps. 24:1.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts in memory of Audrey Hash • Staff: Barbara Bivens • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Buyer (IN) and Rep. Shelley Capito (WV) • Country: Kazakhstan (15.4 million) central Asia • Major languages: Kazakh and Russian • Religious tolerance • 47% Muslim (largely Sunni); 25% Russian Orthodox; 2% Lutheran; 2% Catholic; 2.3% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Read, study, and listen to the Word of God so that your prayers will be answered (Prov. 28:9).

Memory Verse for the Week: 1 Peter 5:7