Love and the Future of God

1 Corinthians 13:1–13

1 Corinthians 13 talks about the importance of love, describing it as patient, kind, and free from jealousy or arrogance. It tells us that love, which never fails, always safeguards, believes, hopes, and endures. The role of God’s grace is to change our hearts, making us more forward-thinking and positive.

1. The problem

Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, a group of good people who struggled with impatience and pride, reminding them that being morally good for the wrong reasons can be self-serving. He warns that without a deep change in their hearts, their good actions won’t help them connect with God or truly help others. The lack of love, showing self-focus and absence of real change, asks us to examine why we do what we do and look for a love that changes us and makes us unselfish.

2. The solution

The answer to our current flaws can be found in the future, in a state called “perfection” or “to teleion,” which means our purpose and the contentment we feel when we achieve it. Like a whale is made to live in the ocean, we are made to live in God’s presence, experiencing His love and characteristics. But just believing this isn’t enough; we need to personally encounter God’s beauty and love to feel truly satisfied.

3. How to use the solution

The crucifixion of Jesus Christ shows us that God fully accepts and understands us, which should change how we see life, making us strive for divine love. Our service to others should come from a heart filled with love, respect, and joy, not expecting anything in return, and finding happiness in selflessly serving God and others. Knowing we are loved and understood by God lets us serve Him and others boldly, keeping hope and faith, helping others for their own good, and choosing eternal joy over fleeting worldly pleasures.