1 Corinthians 13:12-13 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. And now these three remain faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.
Paul founded the church at Corinth during his second missionary journey. He
worked with two fellow tradespeople, Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:2-3), who
were tentmakers just as Paul was. Paul was a very highly educated Pharisee, but
their tradition was that they should also have a trade skill to make a living
when necessary. Paul's first letter to the Corinthians taught of God's love for
us and how we should show that love to others.
This last section of the letter deals with spiritual gifts and how we should use them as believers and followers of Christ Jesus. God blessed the church at Corinth with proper teaching from Paul and spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit. The problems arose because the Christians at Corinth did not have genuine true love and compassion. Consequently, showboating and outbursts of boasting of their unique spiritual gifts filled their services.
Satan trapped a large number of Corinthian Christians in his trap of fleshly behavior. They were attempting to outdo each other to gain a level of attention and recognition. They used their spiritual gifts as a means of boastful arrogance and puffing themselves up. Paul attempted to fix this problem by teaching them that having and using these spiritual gifts without the Love of Christ Jesus in their hearts was unproductive, ineffective, and futile. Furthermore, it does not line up with the valid will of God, as taught in His Holy Word. Paul's primary point and thesis here in this letter was that the most significant spiritual gift of all is love. Love of our Lord and Savior, love for the lost of this world, and love for all people; additionally, he was instructing them to abide in faith, hope, and most of all, love. The fulfillment of the entire Law of Christ Jesus is in the Two Greatest Commandments (Luke 10:27; Matthew 22:37-38). As well, the fulfillment of faith and hope is perfect love through our Lord and Savior Christ Jesus.
In this sinful and fallen world that we are just passing through, we cannot know complete and perfect love, although we do get a preview and glance of it in the life of Christ Jesus while He was on this earth in humanity. Of course, the only place that this preview and glimpse is available is in God's Holy Word. It is only through the study of the Bible along with a consecrated prayer life that we can have this glimpse of the true love of God through Christ Jesus. Additionally, when we see Jesus face to face, we will have a complete understanding, and we will have perfect love as we spend eternity with our Lord and Savior.
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