LETTERS TO THE CHURCHES - Corinthians

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THE GREATEST IS LOVE

Read 1 Corinthians 13
     If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV

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      After a discussion in chapter 12 about the various spiritual gifts, and a call for unity in exercising those gifts in the church, Paul says, “…But eagerly desire the greater gifts. (those that edify and build up the body) And now I will show you the most excellent way...” (12:31)

     No matter what the gift or talent God has bestowed upon you, it is worth nothing if not exercised in love ─ and this, writes Paul, is what love looks like:       "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (13:4-7)

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      Lord, this is a tall order for anyone, but absolutely necessary in our relationships with other believers. Obviously, those early churches had to struggle with their issues just as we do today. Love certainly requires forgiveness and humility. Help me to keep no record of wrongs.

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      And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV