Read: 1 Corinthians 13-14
Today marks 100 days in this Bible study, and that in itself is something worth pausing for. It’s not just about how many chapters have been read, but about what God has been doing quietly and steadily through each day of showing up. Some days may have felt easy, others heavy or distracted, but faithfulness has still been building underneath it all.
As we read First Epistle to the Corinthians chapters 13 and 14 today, it becomes clear very quickly that nothing in our faith functions the way it should without love. Not our words, not our actions, not even our spiritual gifts. Paul brings everything back to this foundation, reminding us that love is not just important, it is essential to everything.
“If I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.”
-1 Corinthians 13:2
That truth alone is enough to make me pause. We can be doing all the right things outwardly, saying the right words, showing up for others, even giving generously, but if it is not flowing from a place of genuine love, it holds no real value. We need a heart check!
Paul doesn’t leave love open to interpretation. He defines it clearly:
“Love is patient, love is kind… it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud… it always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.”
-1 Corinthians 13:4–8
These verses were read at my wedding, an important part of our ceremony. Hearing them there made them feel deeply personal, not just as words being read, but as something I was stepping into as I began my marriage.
I remember sitting with these verses during a season where I was questioning a relationship. I had to look at it through the lens of Scripture instead of my feelings. Was it patient? Was it kind? Was it selfless? And I had to be honest when the answer didn’t align. That didn’t mean there wasn’t care there, but it did mean it wasn’t reflecting the kind of love God describes. Ultimately, that assessment ended that relationship. That kind of clarity is not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to live in alignment with Him.
Paul then reminds us that our understanding is limited in this season of life:
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror … now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” -1 Corinthians 13:12
There is humility in that. We are not meant to have everything figured out right now. There will always be things that we don’t fully understand about God, about His timing, or about His plans. But one day, that partial understanding will be made complete. Until then, we are given something to hold onto:
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” -1 Corinthians 13:13
Faith anchors us in God, to God, with God. Hope keeps us steady in uncertain seasons. But love is what defines how we live and how we interact with others. It is the real evidence of a transformed heart.
As we move into chapter 14, Paul begins to talk about spiritual gifts, specifically tongues and prophecy, but the focus never leaves love. These gifts are not meant to elevate us or make us appear more spiritual. They are meant to build others up; love one another.
Prophecy, in its simplest form, is speaking truth that strengthens, encourages, and comforts. It is sharing what aligns with God’s Word in a way that helps someone grow. Paul makes it clear that if we are speaking in ways that others cannot understand, especially around unbelievers, it does not serve them well. It creates confusion rather than clarity.
Love is not self-seeking. It is thoughtful and intentional. It considers how our words and actions affect the people around us. Our faith was never meant to stay contained within us. It is meant to overflow into the lives of others in a way that points them back to God.
Right now, we won’t do this perfectly. Our understanding is still growing, and there will be moments where we fall short. I know I certainly do! But we are not without direction. We are called to live in a way that reflects Christ, choosing love in how we speak, how we serve, and how we show up for others. A love that is patient, steady, and genuine, one that strengthens others and reflects the heart of God (A Beautiful Year in the Bible). Because at the end of it all, love is what remains.
Discussion Questions
- How can you intentionally choose love in your interactions this week?
- What would it look like to let love guide not just what you do, but why you do it?
Connect with the Author
A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
Leave a comment