In chapter 13 we discover the basis of the body’s commitment. There is not one single gift Paul mentioned that outweighs the importance of love. On the contrary, love is the basis of the gift. For it is God’s love which gives the gift; it is our love for God that directs the use of the gift; it is our love for others that allows us to use the gifts to serve them. God has demonstrated His love to us repeatedly. By examining the list in verses 4-8a we see a perfect description of God’s love for his children.

God is patient (2 Peter 3.9), and kind (Psalm 86.5). God is not envious, boastful or proud (Psalm 40.6). He is not rude, or self-seeking (l Peter 4.10), or easily angered (Exodus 34.6) and He keeps no record of wrongs (Psalm 103.12) though He rejoices in the truth (Psalm 51.6). He always protects (Matthew 23.37) and trusts us, always believes in us, always perseveres and never fails. God is love (1 John 4.8).

As a result, the nearer we grow to God, the greater we too must love. God’s love for us stimulates our love for Him and for others (Matthew 22.37-.40). Some have likened this phenomenon to an isosceles triangle with God at the top and us and others at the bottom corners. The closer we move toward God, the distance between us and others also closes.

Paul continues to relate the superiority of love over the gifts in verses 8 through 12. In the presence of love prophecies will cease, tongues will be silent and knowledge will pass. For our limited understanding of the future, our limited ability to communicate to each other, and our limited knowledge are nothing compared to unlimited love personified in Christ. In His presence, the imperfect fades. Similarly, children put away their ideas about boogie-men, Santa Clause and the Easter bunny once they obtain the truth. Likewise, we can only see reality as a dim reflection in a dark mirror. But there will be a day when Christ will come for us and the dim reflection will suddenly become on open window, and we shall put away all the falsehood we once believed and the gifts which were given to us and tainted by our sinful nature will no longer be necessary in the presence of perfect love. On that day we will have full knowledge, and we will be fully known by all. Truly, love is the greatest gift of all.

How ought we respond to such a great love?

The implication for the body is to be an example — a light unto the world. The pastors are not the laborers, we are, and the church is not a place for unbelievers to be swayed, but an example to them as we are encouraged and built up each week (Matthew 22.37-.40). God has demonstrated His love to us repeatedly, and from his demonstration we can learn of the essence of love: self sacrifice. This is what it required of Jesus (Matthew 17.24-.26), and this is what love demands of us.