Growing in Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-13
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Thoughts:
Love is the foundation of our faith and the mark of spiritual maturity. Paul's eloquent description of love challenges us to grow in this essential virtue. Reflect on each characteristic of love mentioned in this passage. Which aspects do you find most challenging to embody?
Prayer:
Ask God to help you grow in these areas, transforming your relationships and witness. Consider one practical way you can demonstrate selfless love to someone today, mirroring Christ's love for us.
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Thoughts:
Love is the foundation of our faith and the mark of spiritual maturity. Paul's eloquent description of love challenges us to grow in this essential virtue. Reflect on each characteristic of love mentioned in this passage. Which aspects do you find most challenging to embody?
Prayer:
Ask God to help you grow in these areas, transforming your relationships and witness. Consider one practical way you can demonstrate selfless love to someone today, mirroring Christ's love for us.
Posted in More to the Sermon
Recent
Archive
2026
January
The Power of FaithPraying in the SpiritA Call to ReturnThe Burden of SilenceThe Act of CleansingBuilding Altars of RenewalThe Power of RepentanceLetting Go of the OldThe Challenge of SanctificationBurdens Left BehindGod’s Part, Our ResponseFreedom in ReleaseLifting Our Eyes to the True SourceThe Problem of Looking at Temporary SolutionsFinding Hope Amidst HopelessnessInterceding for Others and Drawing Near to GodEmbracing God’s Tests with FaithThe True Command in the Great CommissionIdentifying with Christ through BaptismTeaching and Growing in ChristBeing Present in God's WorkObedience Over Expectations
February
Unequally YokedA Door of HopeThe True Vine, Not Just a SymbolAbiding, Not Just BelievingPruned to Bear MoreConnected in Truth, Not Just in AppearanceMuch Fruit and Lasting JoyHelp From the SanctuaryRejoicing in Past SalvationConfidence in Present HelpTrusting God With the FutureStanding in Certain VictoryThe Question Behind Our QuestionsThe Two Anchors That Hold EverythingNails, Hooks, and the CrossLove as Our Vertical and Horizontal AnchorAnchored in the Storm, Not Managing the Waves
March
Receiving His Word, Not Just Hearing ItLove Proven by ObedienceLiving in the Father’s Loving FellowshipManifested LoveFrom Curiosity to CommunionOf God or Not Of God?Hearing With The HeartNew Heart, New EarsLove For Christ Shown In Love For His WordsIdentify Yourself By Your Response To The WordJesus Shows Us the FatherTrue Greatness is SubmissionJesus Sees as the Father SeesWhen Healing is Delayed, His Presence is NotThe Son Who Saves and SustainsThe Foundation of FaithWalking with God in a Dark WorldFaith That Follows When the Way Is Unclear
2025
February
Guard Your HeartUnequally YokedThe Temple of the Living GodCome Out and Be SeparateEmbracing Divine SonshipThe Unfathomable Wisdom of GodGod is the Source of All ThingsLiving Through ChristThe Purpose of Our ExistenceShining God's LightCalling Out to JesusCasting Away HindrancesAnswering God’s CallFaith That Makes WholeFollowing Jesus
March
Planted in God's VineyardThe Fruit of FaithGod's Patience and MercyThe Need for Spiritual GrowthBearing Lasting FruitDrawing Near to GodHolding Fast to Our FaithProvoking Love and Good WorksThe Importance of Christian FellowshipLiving in Light of Christ's ReturnThe Outcast's GratitudeExtravagant WorshipOvercoming CriticismPreparation for WorshipThe Heart of True ServiceOvercoming Earthly ConnectionsTrue Worship as a Personal ExperienceOvercoming Fear of Others' OpinionsThe Transformative Presence of GodWorship is a LifestyleEntering God's Rest
No Comments