I appreciate the study notes for this passage that are in my NIV Bible. The author shares: In morally corrupt Corinth, love had become a mixed-up term with little meaning. Today people are still confused about love. Love is the greatest of all human qualities, and it is an attribute of God himself. Love involves unselfish service to others; to show it gives evidence that you care. Faith is the foundation and content of God's message; hope is the attitude and focus; love is the action. When faith and hope are in line, you are free to love completely because you understand how God loves.
We have messages of love all around us. Some are positive examples and some are not. At the forefront of my mind is the flooding in Pakistan and the apparent lack of support these people in need are receiving. It seems as if Americans showed their love in a different way when there was an earthquake in Haiti last February. Secondly, while in the studio this week I've been listening to the novel Glass Castle. It's the story of children raised by parents who had issues with alcohol, sexual abuse and neglect but the children unconditionally love their parents who really short change the love back at them. The children shouldn't have to be more mature in their loving than the adults. They are a positive example. Lastly, my oldest child becomes a college freshman next week. I'm having to lean on my faith, hope AND love on this one. I'm so proud of this young man that leaves his heart open to listen for God's guidance, and I have faith that while listening he has made great choices for his future. And now I am leaning on my faith, and hope and God's love as I prepare for this next stage of parenting. We wish that this stole will be a visual reminder of love being more than an emotional high; it is a conscious choice, a continuing commitment as we chose to nurture that love so it can grow.
