Paul’s Memorable Hymn to Love

This meditation is based on a passage for March 20, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13

Reflection and Question: This may be the most famous passage in the Bible, for Paul’s extended description of love has become the most used reading in weddings. However, Paul wrote this to describe how the Corinthians were to be as a church, not for a couple getting married. The “Agape” (compassionate) love lifted up here, as opposed to “Eros” (romantic or passionate) love, makes the use of this ode a little strange for weddings. Nevertheless, it works as an ideal for married love. And some of the best examples of Agape love are GLBT couples I admire. Who exemplifies Agape love for you?

Prayer: Most loving God, John tells us that You are Love itself, and Paul captures the quality of love that will make us truly in Your image. Give us the Grace to take Paul’s understanding of love to heart that love may abide in and shine through us. Amen.