The Goal of Love

I imagine this well known chapter of 1 Corinthians could have convicted the Corinthian church as they realised their focus had been misplaced and with all the gifts they had received, they had failed to love. It may have the same effect upon us. However, in describing the "more excellent way" of love, Paul provides wonderful hope and encouragement for the early church, and for us. This is not a standard to live up to 'or else!', but a way of life for the body of Christ to thrive in. And it has a goal! - whilst we now "see in a mirror dimly," the good gifts (which have distracted the Corinthian believers) will pass away, but love will not and we will one day see "face to face" and "know fully, even as I have been known." We can rest and rejoice in the knowledge that we have been loved with the love described in this passage- a love that is patient and kind, that bears all things and never fails, demonstrated in the sending of Jesus, the Son of God who died for us sinners. We have been loved by God, who is love! And so we can now love! And we are to pursue love as we live in faith, hope and love.