God is 1 Corinthians 13

We had a wedding out our church last weekend. It was a fun one.

There are certain traditions in weddings which seem to be universal: walking down the aisle, bridesmaids and groomsmen, rings and vows, and certain scriptures which are almost obligatorily recited. 1 Corinthians 13 is one of those.

I don't know why but this verse seemed to me not really to be about marriage. When I heard it at weddings I'd get a little sad because it (as I look and observe human nature) we aren't capable of this love. In the context of the wedding these verses seemed to be a challenge to love one's spouse in a way that is not natural and difficult to maintain 24/7. But Saturday, as Dave read the passage, my spirit thought, "Replace GOD with the word LOVE." We read in 1 John that God is love. He defines the word. He is the word. The love described here is the love God has for us - what He does and how he shows how much he loves us. Without His love invading us we are incapable of loving others, especially our spouse. Read it with me...

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love (GOD), I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love (GOD), I am nothing.

If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love (GOD), I gain nothing.

Love (GOD) is patient, love (GOD) is kind. It (GOD) does not envy, it (GOD) does not boast, it (GOD) is not proud.

It (GOD) is not rude, it (GOD) is not self-seeking, it (GOD) is not easily angered, it (GOD) keeps no record of wrongs.

Love (GOD) does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It (GOD) always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love (GOD) never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

For we know in part and we prophesy in part,

but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.

Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love (GOD). But the greatest of these is love (GOD).

Does it sing differently to your spirit when read with GOD? Does this resonate with you? Verses 1-4 especially strike me with greater depth and wonderment when I see that all I do is dried grass ready to be burned, if I have not GOD. That LOVE is about GOD, not my efforts - but what He's done and doing.It's not about the bride and groom. It's about our Creator, maker of heaven and earth who loves and craves relationship with you and me! It fills me with joy and hope knowing this God is for me. Such knowledge brings rest and peace.

What do you think?