1 Corinthians 13:1-13
After the different members of the body of Christ: foot, hand, ear, eye in ch. 12, we find, as it were, the heart in ch. 13. Its role is to give life and warmth to all the other organs. Let us notice that love is not a gift found amongst those in ch. 12 but is the driving force necessary to exercise all the gifts. It is a "way" which is open to all and leads to all (1 Corinthians 12:31). Just as a path is made to walk on, so love is only truly known by experience. For that reason this marvellous chapter gives us no definition of it. It draws up a list, which is not exhaustive but is sufficient to humble us deeply, of all that love does and especially does not do. This way was that of Christ in this world; and let us notice that His name can be substituted for the word "love" in this chapter without changing the sense (see 1 John 4:8). In our knowledge of things which are invisible as yet, all is partial, indistinct, uncertain. But soon we shall see "face to face". Then our Saviour, the One who has known us perfectly, will bring us into the full knowledge of Himself (v. 12; Psalms 139:1 . . .). Then shall love, which is imperishable, be perfectly and eternally satisfied in our hearts and in His.