Just Do It. (1 Corinthians 13)

Read this passage in the Message translation
If ever there was a self-explanatory chapter in the Bible this would be the one. However, that doesn't make what we are being asked to do any easier. In this chapter, Paul writes about the gift of love and describes how we would be lost and useless without it. Perhaps this reason explains why verses 4-7 are extremely popular liturgy for weddings (Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious...). Interestingly enough these verses were not originally written with weddings in mind. One of the main goals of Paul's first letter to the Corinthians was actually to stop the fighting that was occurring amongst the members of the church. Regardless of the original intent, the overarching goal is simple unity; whether it be between two squabbling Corinthians or two puppy-eyed lovers.

Paul's examples in the beginning of the chapter are explicit and powerful. He describes doing some amazing things and then tells us that without love, we are still nothing:

And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (I Cor 13:2-3)

Normally people worry that we can't do those amazing things. The thought of giving away  all of our possessions is terrifying (at least it is for me). It seems that none of us today has the minuscule, mustard-seed-sized faith which Jesus said was all that we needed to move mountains. Thankfully, Paul explains here that being part of the church isn't about all of those miraculous feats. In this chapter Paul is drilling into our heads that it is all about love.

Contrary to the simplicity of this revelation, what God is calling us to do here is extremely complex and difficult. It isn't always easy to love. The simple call to love everyone is one I imagine we all continue to struggle with. It is a conscious choice which you need to keep reminding yourself of every day. It's a choice which requires a lot of support. It is a choice which takes faith. So even if someone is...

• Annoying
• Infuriating
• Distasteful
• Rude
• Jealous
• Powerful
• Intimidating
• Hurtful
• Hurting
• Broken
• Alone

or just different, we are called to love them. So, like the Nike slogan commands, "Just do it." I can guarantee that it won't be easy, but God can guarantee that it will be worth it.

And now faith, hope and love abide, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

Let us pray.

Loving God, you call us to love others in the way that you love us. While we will never be able to be as perfect as you are, we pray for the strength and the faith to at least try. God, because you came to earth as one of us you know how hard it can be to be human, and so we pray that you will grant us the faith we need to follow your call to love all of our brothers and sisters. Whether a person calls you God, or Allah, or Buddha, or Shiva or no name at all we pray that you will help us to love them all the same. Jesus loved both the sinners and the saints, and we know that you call us to do so as well. It's tough God, but we know that you can help us through it. In the name of your loving Son we pray, Amen.