A Still More Excellent Way

Text: 1 Corinthians 13

Reflection and Question: These words are among the best known in the whole Bible. They are used in many weddings even of non-believers, even though Paul is commending “agape,” the generous love of others, to the church in Corinth, not the love between two people who commit themselves in marriage. But the qualities of care and humility apply in both situations, of course. Love is a more excellent way. The most challenging line for me has most often been, “Love does not insist on its own way.” What aspect of Paul’s description of love challenges you the most?

Prayer: Most loving God, when I was a child I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. But when I grew up to be an adult, I gave up childish ways. May faith, hope and love abide in me. And I know: the greatest of these is love. Amen.

This meditation is based on the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).