Last week I started to dig deeper into 1 Corinthians 14:1 within the context of the surrounding chapters. Why? Because we can find so much more behind the words than we see at first sight:
Follow the way of love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift op prophecy.
[1 Corinthians 14:1]
Paul starts with a very clear commandment: follow the way of love. In doing so he points back to his words preceding the 13th chapter, and now I will show you the most excellent way. This way is the way of love. The word WAY here is the same word that Jesus used to describe Himself with: I am the way, the truth, and the life (see John 14:6). In the Greek language that is the word hodos (road, path, a general term for a thoroughfare to get from one place to another, manner of life). The way of love is the way of Jesus and not a road we think is popular or convenient. The way of love is living the way Jesus lived; humble, compassionate, serving, gracious and loving. That is never the easiest way, but it is an excellent way.
It is interesting to learn that the first believers in the book of Acts were called 'people who belonged to the Way' (see Acts 9:2). Again that same Greek word hodos. They were known as people who followed the Way, the way of love. When we think of Christians following Jesus, walking the narrow road, we often think of a road full of trouble and difficulties, a road with many restrictions and no fun. But that narrow road is actually the way, the path of love. Divine love with the characteristics as summed up by Paul.
I desire that we will be known again as people who belong to the Way, as people who follow the way of love!
Hi Marja - great post. Great to be walking the narrow way with you.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Yes Tracy, it's better to walk with each other, right :)
ReplyDeleteAh yes, me too! I have much to learn. :) Thank you, Marja, for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome Karen, I am glad we're all on this road together.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully put Marja. Thanks for sharing! :)
ReplyDeleteMarja:
ReplyDeleteI, also, have a lot to learn about the way of Christ. Thank you for your enlightening post.
The Way of love is so opposite to selfish human nature. I pray that I'll grow more in this area.
ReplyDeleteMarja,
ReplyDeleteA beautiful reminder of our path with God - it may always be wide or the one we might want to take yet the reward and joy outweighs the alternative. Thank you.
Lisa M Buske
http://lisabuske.weebly.com
Fantastic insight here, Marja! Yes, people of the Way - reminds me of the verse that talks about others knowing that we are Christians by our love. Definitely something to put into practice on a daily basis!
ReplyDeleteGreat to see you over at Life Lessons! It's neat to know that the Lord wants to be intimately involved in our lives! What a gracious God we serve! Have a blessed week. Hugs! :)
Thanks for visiting Cathy!
ReplyDeleteCecelia: the way of Christ... we're forever learning indeed.
Susan, I stand in agreement with your prayer, thanks.
ReplyDeleteLisa, I need reminders like this all the time. Thanks for stopping by.
Maria, don't you love it when a verse pops up like that? I was thinking about it the other day too... we should be recognized by our love for each other! Thanks for your additional words of wisdom.
I loved your ending point, that the narrow path is thought of as the one of difficulties, but really it is the one of love. What a wonderful insight into this verse! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteMy translation says "Pursue love"
ReplyDeleteIt didn't give me a perception about the interesting 'way of love'.
Thank you Marja for a better insight.
LeAnn, thanks for joining, glad you gained insight from this verse.
ReplyDeleteWyn, pursue love, that's what it says in my Dutch translation too. But I like the way of love better, because it says something about our walk!