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| Painting: Yvonne Nederend |
As you may have noticed after reading my previous post, I am reading Paul's first letter to the believers in Corinth, Greece. This morning I lingered for the longest time at the beginning of chapter 14. Ah, such treasure in a single verse! I kept reading and re-reading it and discovered the riches behind the words. Please, read with me:
Follow the way of love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift op prophecy.
[1 Corinthians 14:1]
I decided to write a series of posts on this single verse in the context of the surrounding chapters. Today I would like to start with just the first few words of that scripture: follow the way of love. Paul refers here to his words preceding the 13th chapter: and now I will show you the most excellent way. That way is the way of love. What does it exactly mean to follow the way of love? When reading the 13th chapter you will notice that it sums up the characteristics of godly love. I am glad Paul gave us this summary, so we will know what to follow. Following the way of love means that we must learn to
- be patient
- and kind
- not to be envious
- not boastful
- not proud
- not rude
- not self seeking and
- not easily angered
Following the way of love also means that we should not keep record of wrongs, that we do not delight in evil, but that we rejoice with the truth. Following the way of love means that we can learn to always protect, always trust, always hope and always persevere. Well, I have enough food for thought for the next couple of days, and I hope you will too. In my next post I will continue to unravel this particular verse. Until then... choose the most excellent way on purpose!
PS: Painting 'My heart for Jesus' can be seen at Yvonne's weblog Creative Worship.
PS: Painting 'My heart for Jesus' can be seen at Yvonne's weblog Creative Worship.
I like that - choose the most excellent way on purpose. I'll be meditating on that one today, thank you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking the time to deliver a good message that we all need to keep close to our hearts.
ReplyDeleteShalom my friend
Hannah
What gems the Word of God holds for us! If we look for them, they're easily found.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Susan :)
Hi Karen, such wonderful words of wisdom in one verse, the Bible keeps amazing me. Thanks for your visit.
ReplyDeleteShalom Hannah, my pleasure! I am glad it inspired you.
ReplyDeleteSusan, gems... that is the right word here! Thanks for adding that.
Sigh...always convicting. Apart from His grace, we are so incapable. I wrote something this past week about love and how it always walks hand in hand with truth and sometimes that truth seems very uncomfortable, to some even offensive. This Scripture is always a good check point, lines us up wherever we're out of balance.
ReplyDeleteThis post was perfect, Marja.