It is important to recognize that Paul’s famous chapter on love was not originally placed in the minister’s “Handbook for Wedding Services” or in the Christian’s book of “Great Poems from Scripture.” First Corinthians chapter 13 is part of Paul’s instructions on spiritual gifts. In chapter 12 Paul says that manifestations of the Holy Spirit come through every believer:
“Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given.” - First Corinthians 12:7
Since, the Holy Spirit is God and the character of God is love (1 John 4:8), then any manifestation of the Holy Spirit is a manifestation of the love of God for the common good of his church. God’s intention is that we manifest his gifts to the church with the same character as God, which is love.
Paul’s instructions for manifesting the gifts describes a personal manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s gift like this:
Love is patient,
Love is kind.
Love does not envy,
Love does not boast,
Love is not proud.
Love does not dishonor others,
Love is not self-seeking,
Love is not easily angered,
Love keeps no record of wrongs.
Love does not delight in evil
Love rejoices with the truth.
Love always protects,
Love always trusts,
Love always hopes,
Love always perseveres.
– First Corinthians 13:4-7
If the Holy Spirit is manifesting in our churches and if we are serving for the common good in love the church will not fail, as Paul adds in the next verse:
“Love never fails.” – First Corinthians 13:8
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