In this concluding message we discover that love traffics in the truth, tells the truth (even if it is unpopular), and lives the truth. We also learn that love is tenacious. How so?
'Love doesn't keep score' is how The Message translates the final phrase in verse five. What are some ways we tend to 'keep score' in our relationships? Why do we tend to 'keep score?' What are some ways we can avoid 'keeping score?'
Tina Turner sang about love being "a second hand emotion" and "a sweet old fashioned notion." Biblically, nothing could be further from the Truth. Love is practical and concrete. Love does not envy (which chokes the life energy out of relationships). How can we protect ourselves from envy?
The term "love" in our English speaking culture is clearly a fuzzy, hazy word. After all, we can say we "love" our spouse and family; and also say we "love" chocolate cake, "love" being organized, or "love" a particular movie. The Greek language ( the language of the New Testament ) in contrast had several terms for love. Why different words? Well...
1 Corinthian chapter 13 has been widely quoted and recited. It has often been a core element of wedding ceremonies. Why do these verses "suddenly" appear in chapter 13 of this letter? What is the backdrop? What can we learn about love?