An Exercise in 1 Corinthians 13 - The Love Chapter

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We have had a great series at church titled "Undivided". The sermon by Cody on Sunday, September 12th was entitled "The Most Excellent Way".

This reflects on the last verse of Chapter 12. Chapter 12 is a discussion of spiritual gifts. The last verse says "I will show you a still more excellent way." Referring to love. How any and all spiritual gifts will bear no fruit if love is not at the root.

We know from scripture that God is love. He had to come as His Son Jesus to embody love and give us an example of real, pure love. Agape love. Sacrificial love

So in our sermon notes, they gave us an exercise. Write out 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, and everywhere the word "love" appears, replace it with Jesus. Here it is:

' Jesus is patient and kind; Jesus does not envy or boast; Jesus is not arrogant or rude. Jesus does not insist on His own way; Jesus is not irritable or resentful; Jesus does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Jesus bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. '

The notes then give these instructions:

Now read the passage again, noting any insights regarding the love Jesus demonstrated during His ministry on Earth. If you were to rewrite the passage one more time, could you insert your own name in any of the places where you placed Jesus’ name? How can this passage shed light on the love you most often demonstrate toward others? What can you ask the Lord in regard to changing that?

Very convicting. . . Jesus does not say the most important law is to love yourself. He tells us that the most important law is to Love God, and love others.




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