Got Christian Love? Ask Paul

Early Christian writers tended to avoid the subject of romantic love or a discussion of sexual attraction (Greek word eros), but sometimes wrote of philia, which referred to friendly affection–brotherly (or sisterly) love.

In contrast, the Apostle Paul, in his writings on Christian love, emphasized a seldom used Greek term–agape. This is the Pauline term used to describe God’s love for humankind and the Christian’s love for God and neighbor (Kee).

In 1st Corinthians, Chapter 13, Paul describes the importance of love. According to Paul, Christian love is more vital than great oratory, the ability to prophecy, the understanding of the mysteries of divine purpose or even possessing faith that can accomplish amazing tasks. Paul claims that great charity or even dying for the good of others is nothing–without love.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Paul recognized that ego and the drive for self-seeking was the root of competition and conflict within the Corinthian church (Kee).

Has pride, selfishness, and self-seeking ever created conflict in your church family?

Paul focused on a love that never ends. Love is active:

• Love is patient.
• Love is kind.
• Love rejoices with the truth.
• Love always protects.
• Love always trusts.
• Love always hopes.
• Love always perseveres.

Love is demonstrated in actions that we refuse to allow ourselves to exhibit:

• Love does not boast.
• Love is not proud.
• Love does not dishonor others.
• Love is not self-seeking.
• Love does not anger easily.
• Love does not keep a record of right or wrongs.
• Love does not rejoice in evil.

I’ve taken some leeway with Paul’s scripture by making a list of the actions we should and should not do. When viewed as a whole, the list can be daunting.

If you’re like me, you’re not perfect in every aspect of “loving.”

Even Paul recognized that he was a work in progress:

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12

The good news is that we are also a work in progress and our teacher, guide, helper and mentor–Jesus our Lord–is just a prayer away!

Paul was still striving for spiritual maturity. I hope and pray that we are working toward that goal as well. In this time of conflict and turmoil in our world, what can we do to show love to our neighbor? How can we use Paul’s guidelines for agape love to make a difference?

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13

Sources

Barclay, William. (1958). The Mind of Paul, New York:  Harper & Brothers Publishers.

Kee, Howard Clark. (1993). Understanding the New Testament, 5^th Ed. Upper Saddle River, New Jersy:  Pearson Education.

Yoder, J.L. (2009). Class lecture notes for Religion 383:  The Life and Teachings of Paul.