Identity - Week 25

Jul 3, 2011    Dan Jarrell    1 Corinthians 13

There are sections of the Bible that everyone appreciates even if they don't appreciate the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13 is one of those sections. Its poetic and pointed description of love has been translated and printed on plaques and posters in most cultures of the world. It resonates with people from every religious perspective as a "sacred text" because something in the human heart intuitively affirms that its truth is divine. It's often read as a matter of routine in wedding ceremonies even when the bride and groom have no commitment to Jesus and no real intention of following him. How different might the world be today if all who admired 1 Corinthians 13 would honestly purpose to apply it?

Today's passage surfaces the central issue of Christianity. Though our study of 1 Corinthians has raised many important issues like wisdom, personal ambition, sexual purity, respect for others, discipline, and spiritual gifts, none of these are the central issue. The central issue of Christianity is a life filled with and driven by the love of Jesus Christ! May God use his word today to renew your passion for love.

- Dan