1 Corinthians 13; Psalm 26

1 Corinthians 13 is a very familiar passage to many of us. We see it on greeting cards and hear it at weddings. Don't forget that this is a part of Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts, reminding us that any spiritual gift practiced without love is worthless. And by love he means an unselfish (God-like) love for others--other believers in particular. Though we all have different gifts, we are all expected to exercise love.

vv. 4-7 go on to tell us what this Godly love looks like. As you read through the list below, you will see that it is the kind of love that does not necessarily come naturally but is a result of our yielding ourselves to the work of the Holy Spirit within us.

Love

• is patient and kind
• is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude
• does not demand its own way
• is not irritable
• keeps no record of being wronged
• does not rejoice about injustice
• rejoices whenever the truth wins out
• never gives up
• never loses faith
• is always hopeful
• endures through every circumstance

vv.8-13 tell us that the spiritual gifts are for the edification or building up of the church (believers). We practice these gifts imperfectly while here on earth. But when "the time of perfection comes," when we are in heaven with the Lord, we won't need these gifts any more. We will all be complete. Even though we have grown up (hopefully!), we still see things imperfectly in this life, but in the next we will see with perfect clarity. "All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever--faith, hope, and love--and the greatest of these is love."

Psalm 26
David declares his loyalty to the Lord in this Psalm. He asks God to clear his name among his enemies. He is not claiming to be sinless, but he has confidence in his relationship with God no matter what others might say about him.

"I come to your altar, O Lord, singing a song of thanksgiving and telling of all your wonders (v. 6-7)...and I will publicly praise the Lord." (v. 12)

This is a great example of coming to God with praise and thanksgiving. We should go and do likewise!