1 Corinthians 12 &13

I would like to turn now to 1 Corinthians 12-13 for a clarification of this love. In chapter 12 we learn much about how a body relation. We are designed to all exist differently; there is no ideal image of a follower of Christ. There is to be beautiful differentiation between members, for different purposefulness. None should consider himself higher or lower based on his difference from another. All have need for one another, and should never take on an attitude which prefers any gifting or personality. He even says that just as the body has parts which should be treated with modesty, so also certain roles should be performed behind the scenes. So we realize that a principle stands in that all men are designed to relate within the body differently, fill different roles, know God differently on a personal level, and do this so “that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another.” (verse 25)
Chapter 13 is one all too familiar to Christians and others alike. This chapter is one devoted to love, which is most often heard at weddings. It is used to give an example of the intensity of the vows of marriage, and to remind a couple of the commitment and hard work upon which they will embark for the rest of their lives. A marriage is a relationship founded upon love as an action which often goes against all desire, a relationship which mirrors Christ and the church, one defined by sacrifice and submission. It is interesting to see that this passage which we gain so much insight toward this relationship is written after 1 Cor. 12. In fact, after they begin to understand this idea of differing roles in the body and unity through chapter 12, it ends by saying, “And I will show you a still more excellent way.”
This chapter on love which is so readily used to state the intensity of marital love is in fact written to explain the love every Christian should exhibit toward one another. This type of love which we so greatly value and idealize toward marriage is actually one which should fuel our relation toward one another. While marriage is far more intensive in requirement of this love, it is identical to the attitude I should have toward body members. Whatever love attitude I would take on toward my wife should be equally exhibited toward all fellow Christians.

Real love experienced by men and through human relationships is simply an outpouring of God’s love, a dim reflection of a universal human need and longing. That is the crux for beginning to understand the massive difference between what we call love and what true love is. Human love is non-similar to God’s love. It is even a polar opposite in some aspects. They should really be two different words based on how dissimilar they are. Humanity’s greatest longing is for a love it does not know, but nothing within it knows how to create this love. Truly, few ever experience the love they were designed to flourish within. A love built on man is self focused and rewards seeking when it is tested deeply. The only chance for real love to exist is to be wrapped up in God and allow His control and Lordship so that we can reflect a glimpse of Him. Rhett Barbour explained it in this way, “Love is evidence of being united with the Father.”
Love from God, termed reflective love from this point forward, is only available to be distributed when relating to God. A simple analogy for this is that one can only pour water out of a hose when it is connected to a water source. Therefore, a man can only give love if he is getting it, and he can only get it from God, or men connected to God.
Love should be a character trait. We know that God is Love. He does not simply love, He is love. Even if there was no one to love, He would exist as such. We also should be defined by love, not simply loving. It is not simply a purpose toward a specific person, but an attitude about existence which directly alters every perspective. It is evidence of Lordship at the deepest level. God tests our maturity and love for Him by how we love one another, his body (1 John 4:7-8;20).
This reflective love starts as a principle and perspective on existence. From this point it is very quickly made into an often painful practicality in literally every situation. We are told to do all to the glory of God. This means love in every simple, even seemingly non-relational action. I need to figure out how to eat and drink out of love, even when alone. Over time, this will eventually takes on a catholic unification. This means that if Christians are allowing this holy transformation, then the main component of who they are in Christ will also be the asset which makes them readily unified. Picture all Christians placed in a big box, and shaken about, randomly reassigned and surrounded by totally new brothers and sisters. If they are living to embrace love, then this doesn’t even create a hiccup in their capability to co-exist and flourish in building up one another and the kingdom of God. God comes between relationships that are purposed in love (Romans 15:5).
This type of love is not romanticized, but sacrificial. It requires submission to something we do not fully understand and will never be able to completely conform to. Submission is a relinquishing of personal will and preference. It can’t be romantically charged. To be a great man or woman is to be like Christ. To follow Christ’s earthly example is to be characterized by submission and sacrifice. To be a man of God, mirroring Him as a husband and leader requires total sacrifice of self to him and others.
As we increasing in love for one another, God is able to establish blamelessness and holiness in our hearts (1 Thess. 3:12-13). We are purified as we pursue to make God’s love realized in a practicality. This reflective love also holds within it the capability to build characteristics such as faith, hope, joy, and peace in those who are willing to embrace practicing it. 1 Corinthians 13:13 tells us that love is the greatest attribute, greater that faith and hope. If we recognize and wrestle through this truth, then we will begin to grow in these other ways as well; out of His love flows all else. Per example, Faith is realized when we know His love, for He who loves unconditionally and eternally could never steer us wrong, and etc.
We need to love God the same way that we should love one another. Our love is all the more validly poured back on its producer. To have the chief aims of dwelling in love and loving in reflection creates an entirely new relationship to God. This will make Him less confusing for many, encouraging them down out of their ivory towers to enjoy the warm grass and breeze with Him. It will take Him off of the examination tables of the church, who often eagerly seek to understand Him to the point of dissection, forgetting to know Him. Also we cannot simply feel out who He is, but we can love what we do not fully grasp, and gain in understanding through the Spirit and Word. There is much that comes to naught when love is the goal and realization. Intimacy is the ends we have opportunity for here.