1 Corinthians 13:4-12 Love never fails!

 1 Corinthians 13:13

And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Father me to believe in love. Help me to treat others in the same way that I want to be treated. Help me to love mercy, to forgive quickly and always to humbly walk with You. Thank you for loving me in my feeble attempts to live in the truth of Jesus knowing that You, Holy Spirit, always walk beside me to guide me and strengthen me. Your love covers a multitude of my sins. Carla

1 Corinthians 13:4-12

4 Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; 5 does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. NKJV

Love never fails. This uncompromising and bold affirmation introduces the contrast with the spiritual gifts which will not last. Paul wants the Corinthians to know that all the gifts, especially tongues, which attracted their attention so much, would one day no longer be needed. But love would continue forever. Prophesies will fail. The word translated fail is in the passive voice, indicating that something will cause prophecies to stop. Unlike prophecies, tongues will simply stop (no external cause is indicated by the Greek). Knowledge  will vanish away. The term translated will vanish away here is the same word translated “will fail” earlier in verse 8.

When that which is perfect has come. The Greek word for perfect means “end” or “completion.” Most likely, this is a reference to the Second Coming of Christ and the completion of all things. The NKJV Study Bible

Jealous refers to the intense desire to advance at the disadvantage of someone else. Those who are jealous resent the success of others. Boast refers  to the desire to obtain adoration or acknowledgment from others by explaining to others your own self-worth (usually without them asking to know about it). 

Conceited refers  to self-admiration that leads a person to consider himself or herself better than others. A failure to show respect and honor to others. The wealthy Corinthian believers dishonored the poor believers (11:17–21). refers to the refusal to forgive someone of a wrongdoing. The Greek word used here for truth, alētheia, refers to the gospel message and stands in contrast to “unrighteousness.” Love rejoices in this truth because the gospel demonstrates God’s love (Romans 5:8).

To bear all things involves enduring difficulties, and even taking on (spiritually) the difficulty of others (being compassionate (1 Corinthians 9:12). Exhibiting confidence in God and His promises. This Includes hardships and persecution (2 Corinthians 11:23–28).

Love never ends. Love will not become obsolete or invalid. The Corinthian believers emphasized the gift of tongues as a sign (perhaps even a required sign) of Christ dwelling with someone. Paul reveals that the gifts will one day be no longer necessary, but love will always be (1 Corinthians  13:13). Therefore, love is the true sign of someone who follows Christ (John 13:35).

Paul refers to three spiritual gifts that will no longer be necessary in the age to come—prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. All three gifts are related to God’s revelation to His people during the present age; thus, the three “will pass away” at the end of the age when the kingdom of God is fully inaugurated (1 Corinthians 2:6). The gifts do not have eternal value compared to love.

Whenever  the perfect comes the Greek word used here, teleios, refers to the fullness of God’s salvation that will come at the second coming of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6).

When Christ appears, believers will no longer need the gifts—Christ Himself will be showing who He is and what He is doing in person (not just through others, but directly to all people). The meaning of teleios as “fulfillment” or “achievement” points to that ultimate fulfillment of God’s kingdom. The eschatological context of 1 Corinthians 13:8–13 implies this “perfection” relates to the arrival of the “end,” not some humanly attainable “perfection” in the present age.

Through a mirror In the Graeco-Roman world, a mirror consisted of a polished metal disc with a handle. The reflection visible in the polished silver or bronze was a much more imperfect and indirect representation than modern mirrors. Alternatively, Paul may be referring to the idea of a mirror as an instrument of self-reflection (James 1:23–24).

Paul implies that believers will see God. It is possible that seeing God will result in perfect knowledge to understand the “mysteries” (1 Corinthians 13:2).  Faithlife Study Bible

Proverbs 10:12

Hatred stirs up strife,

But love covers all sins.

1 Corinthians 8:2–3

And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no one seek his own, but each one the other’s well-being.

In Care of the Soul, Thomas Moore writes that living artfully with time might only require something as simple as pausing. In our modern life—with its premium on speed, our internal governors set on Hurry or Urgent—we have no time for reflection or pondering, or for allowing impressions of the day to sink into our hearts.

Our souls resonate with stillness, slowness and renewal. Something restorative and grounding.
However, when speed is a compulsion, how do we "go back?"
How do we hit the re-set button?
How do we hit the paradigm shift question, from, “What do you do?” or “What did you accomplish today?” to “Tell me, where do you find replenishment and rest and renewal?”

Our bodies, and our spirits, are in favor of the need to slow down—pausing to name and find sanctuary. We know in our DNA that sanctuary replenishes, allowing us to make choices to live fully.
There one minor hiccup; sanctuary is not just a place or space, but a practice.

So. How do we practice resting and sanctuary in a world where the enticement of speed and instant information takes its toll unconsciously?
Taking with us Etty Hillesum’s invitation. “Ultimately, we have just one moral duty. To reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”
This week, where were you able to find replenishment?
Where were you able to find renewal?
Where were you able to feel the embrace—even if only a smidgen—of inner peace?

And Parker Palmer’s guidance deserves to be read twice. “By surviving passages of doubt and depression of the vocational journey, I have become clear about at least one thing: self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do so not only for ourselves but for the many others whose lives we touch.” Sabbath Moments

David French on Faith Leaders now and in the Bush administration

 https://youtube.com/shorts/tDGE5oi-wnk?si=h-YJPqG3yfoQYcsh

Psalm 28:3-4 You will know the followers of Jesus by the fruit of Holy Spirit in their lives.

Psalm 55:21

The words of his mouth were smoother than butter,

But war was in his heart;

His words were softer than oil,

Yet they were drawn swords.

Blessed are those who seek the peace of all people, not just the few they deem worthy, remembering that Jesus came that the world through Him could be saved. Blessed are those who seek the good of others along with themselves following the command of Jesus to love our neighbors as much as we do our own families.  May we become one in fellowship with the all who show the fruit of Holy Spirit in their lives. Pray for a change of heart in all of us  to follow the ways of Jesus. Carla

Psalm 28:3-4

Do not take me away with the wicked

And with the workers of iniquity,

Who speak peace to their neighbors,

But evil is in their hearts.

4Give them according to their deeds,

And according to the wickedness of their endeavors;

Give them according to the work of their hands;

Render to them what they deserve.  NKJV

Again, the psalmist is asking to be delivered from death (6:5). David pronounces his curse on the wicked, from whom he wishes to be distinguished (4:3). The language here is similar to that of Paul in Romans 1:18–32. One day even the wicked will have to acknowledge God as their Creator and give Him the glory He deserves. The NKJV Study Bible

The psalmist does not want to be associated with the wicked and suffer the injustice of being punished with them.

The wicked speak falsely of peace while they plan to harm their neighbors. The psalmist wants to be sure the wicked will be punished. Throughout the Psalms, the wicked are assured of their ultimate destruction. Psalm 1 declares the way of the wicked will perish (1:6). They do not understand the attributes of God, such as righteousness or justice (Proverbs 2:9). Faithlife Study Bible

Revelations 22:12

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. 

Psalm 12:2

They speak idly everyone with his neighbor;

With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.

Jeremiah 9:8

Their tongue is an arrow shot out;

It speaks deceit;

One speaks peaceably to his neighbor with his mouth,

But in his heart he lies in wait.

This is the power in the story in the Gospel of Mark, when Jesus “withdrew” from the crowd—looking to Jesus for healing—in order to spend time in a solitary place.
In withdrawing Jesus is saying to his disciples, “Do you see that clump of people? Do you know why I have any power in that clump? Do you know why I care and heal and make a difference in that clump? Because I regularly say ‘No’, to withdraw, to a place where I listen to a different voice—my Father's voice—about my identity.”
I know this from personal experience. If I don't say ‘no’ to daily-life-hubbub, ‘no’ will be said for me by default, and I will end up saying ‘no’ to the people I love the most.

Tell me my friend; this week, where were you able to find replenishment?
Where were you able to find renewal?
Where were you able to feel the embrace embrace—even if only a smidgen—of inner peace?
Taking with us Etty Hillesum’s invitation. “Ultimately, we have just one moral duty. To reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.” Sabbath Moments

Matthew 7:15-20 Beware of false prophets! You will know them by their fruit.

 Matthew 7:21–24

21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father •in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, •cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them•, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ NKJV

Do not be deceived. The fruit of Holy Spirit is evident in the lives of those who are doers not just  hearers of the Word of God. Do  not trust those who say they are  followers of Jesus but whose lives  show otherwise. Keep evil far from you. Those who sow in peace will reap peace. Those who sow in love create unity. Those who sow dissension will reap chaos in their lives and the lives of all those they touch. The fruit of the Spirit begins and ends with love. Jesus came to proclaim it. Carla

Matthew 7:15-20

15 “•Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thornbushes or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a bad tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruits you will know them. NKJV

The way to tell false teachers from teachers of truth is by their fruits. Fruits here refers to more than their deeds; it includes their doctrine (16:12; 1 John 4:1–3). A person speaking in the name of God is to be tested by the doctrines of Scripture. The same principle still holds true today. Speakers and teachers should be tested against the truths in God’s Word (Jude 3; Revelations 22:18, 19). The NKJV Study Bible

Jesus teaches that people—godly and ungodly—are distinguishable by their deeds (Ephesians 2:8–10).

Beware Meaning “be alert” or “be watchful.” False prophets refers to those whose teaching contradicts Jesus’ teaching. Beginning in Matthew  5:17, Jesus has reinterpreted the established religious and social norms of His day. Here, He portrays those who contradict His instruction as false prophets—people who falsely claim to speak on God’s behalf  (2 Peter 2:1). Sheep’s clothing refers to disguises that portray innocence.

Ravenous wolves describes those seeking to undermine Jesus’ teaching for personal gain.

By  their fruits refers to people’s deeds—the natural outcomes of their choices and inclinations.

Grapes from thorn bushes or figs from thistles are images drawn from horticulture and would have resonated with Jesus’ audience, as first-century Palestine was primarily an agrarian society. In the Greek text, this rhetorical question is phrased in a way that expects a negative answer (“Of course not!”).

In other words, teachers of righteousness act righteously. False prophets act wickedly in accordance with the nature of their testimony. Jesus repeats these statements for emphasis in the following verse. You will recognize them by their fruits.  Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 12:33–35

“Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for a tree is known by its fruit. Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks…

Luke 6:43–44

“For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 

Matthew 3:10

And even now the ax is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree which does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 

James 3:12

Can a fig tree, my brethren, bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Thus no spring yields both salt water and fresh.

Matthew 24:1–51

Then Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came up to show Him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down.”

Every day after school, the young son of a well-known Rabbi would enter his house, place his backpack on the dining room table, leave the house through the back door and head into the woods behind the house.
At first, the Rabbi gave little thought to his son's ritual. Until it continued, for days, and then for weeks. Every day, out into the woods for almost a half hour. The Rabbi grew concerned.
"My son," he asked one day. "I notice that every day you leave our home to spend time in the woods. What is it you are doing there?"
"Oh papa," the son replied. "There is no need to worry. I go into the woods to pray. It is in the woods that I can talk to God."
"Oh," the Rabbi said, clearly relieved. "But you should know, as the son of a Rabbi, that God is the same everywhere."
"Yes, papa. I know that God is the same everywhere. But, I am not."

This little boy knew, instinctively, that there are two spaces in our lives. And both are important.
In the first space, we generate activity, productivity (to-do lists), accomplishment, and achievement (and yes, busyness, worry and a wee bit of stress). In this space we carry our calendars, our smart phones, our iPads, and our to-do lists.
But there is a second space. In this space we find sanctuary, quiet, reflection, contemplation, and meditation.
In this second space we find replenishment, spiritual nourishment and renewal. And in this space is born prayer, music, poetry, friendship, amazement, awe, wonder, renewal, and if we are lucky, unrepentant napping.
“God is the same everywhere. But, I am not.”

Today, I am grateful for the wisdom of a Rabbi's young son. Because there are times when I lose my way. When I am untethered and not at home in my own skin. I am easily riled, disconnected and wearied. Can you relate? In our world so full of the flurry of diversions and distractions and news fatigue, I see the toll untethering takes.
And this disconnect matters more because we forget that we are here to “walk one another home”.
I forget that replenished, I’m at my best for you... and for us.
It's not just about being drained. It’s almost like a paralysis. I am not present. I can't absorb beauty. I go through the motions, as if I have lost touch with all the good stuff: gladness, wonder, grace, empathy, compassion, hope, passion and the sacrament of the present. Sabbath Moments

Matthew 6:8-15 For God so loved the world that He sent Jesus that through Him the world could be saved!!

 Luke 6:37–7:10

“Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”…

Sometimes in the stillness of the night I think of the works of mankind and become afraid. The apathy and disdain that exists for others, like us who are created in the image of God, I fear will extinguish the light that has come into the world. Sometimes words cannot express the sadness that I feel for the marginalized and oppressed in our society. I am overcome. Then in the stillness I can hear the words of our Father  that through His Son the world could be saved. My only prayer is that His Kingdom will come and His mercy and grace will overcome the darkness. In Him, with Him and in the unity of Holy Spirit there is hope. When we love God and  abide in His command to love others in the manner that He loves us we are saved from the sin that threatens to destroy us. The love of God covers a multitude of our sins  in the sacrifice of Jesus. Carla

Matthew 6:8-15 

8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him.

In this manner, therefore, pray•:

Our Father •in heaven,

Hallowed be Your name.

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

•On earth as it is in heaven.

11 Give us this day our daily bread.

12 And forgive us our debts,

As •we forgive our debtors.

13 And do not lead us into temptation,

But deliver us from the evil one.

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. NKJV

The prayer is composed of six requests. The first three ask for the kingdom to come (verse 9, 10) and the last three are for God to meet the needs of His people until the kingdom arrives (verses 11–13). Hallowed be Your name is not an ascription of praise to the Father. The verb is an imperative and means “May Your name be hallowed.” This recalls Ezekiel’s prophecy in Ezekiel 36:25–32, where the prophet says Israel has profaned God’s name among the nations. One day God will gather His people from the nations, cleanse them, and by this means vindicate the holiness of His great name. The hallowing of the Father’s name means the arrival of God’s kingdom. The NKJV Study Bible

The focus changes here from hypocrites to Gentiles (ethnikoi). In Graeco-Roman religions, repetition was used to pester the gods so they would grant someone’s request. After describing how not to pray, Jesus gives a positive example.

Matthew 6:9–13 and the parallel passage of Luke 11:1–4 provide a model for prayer. The Gospels make no explicit claims regarding Jesus’ intentions for creating this prayer, but the context indicates that He is teaching people how to pray (Luke 11:1–4).

“Your will be done” Jesus prays similar words as He faces arrest and crucifixion (Matthew 26:39, 42).

The people of rural Galilee were poor and oppressed, and resources such as food were scarce. This prayer reflects the real needs of people living in difficult times. The language used here for debt can reflect an Aramaic idiom referring to sin.

The Greek term used here for the evil one may indicate a specific entity such as the devil; (Ephesians 6:16) or evil in its many forms.

Forgiveness results in forgiveness. Since God has forgiven members of His kingdom, they must forgive others. Faithlife Study Bible

Matthew 3:17–6:2

And suddenly a voice came from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil…

Luke 12:2–12

For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops…

Mark 3:21–6:29

But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “He is out of His mind.”And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub,” and, “By the ruler of the demons He casts out demons.”…

Matthew 2:11–3:4

And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.Then, being divinely warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed for their own country another way…

It’s normal to feel disheartened, or discouraged, about our world.

You may have heard this expression: “If you’re not concerned, you’re not paying attention.”

Pain is real. And shock is real. And yet. There is something in our DNA that knows we still have the capacity to choose.

This I know: closing our eyes or shutting down, is not the choice.

Staying informed matters.

Bearing witness matters.

And, making sure our heart and soul are replenished, and refreshed, and grounded, matters.

Today, I was guest preacher at the Interfaith Community Sanctuary in Seattle. My topic, “Walking one another home.” And I began with this quote, from Etty Hillesum. “Ultimately, we have just one moral duty. To reclaim large areas of peace in ourselves, more and more peace, and to reflect it towards others. And the more peace there is in us, the more peace there will also be in our troubled world.”

Yes. That’s the gift.

The space that enables me to see the sufficiency that is already there.

Maya Angelou’s reminder, “Let nothing dim the light that shines from within.”

There are times—it seems more frequent now—when we are not “rested”. We are tired, fatigued, weighed down, troubled, or just plain worn out.

Sometimes it is for good reason. Sometimes it is not.

Add to the mix the reality that we absorb, or consume, many, many times the amount of information and data—daily, hourly—than we did not that long ago. We are, quite literally, bombarded.

So, it's not just about being tired. There's something else going on. Almost like a paralysis, or a disconnect. Those times when we are not present. Those times when we can't even absorb beauty or wonder. Those times when we go through the motions, as if we have lost touch with some of the good stuff: gladness, longing, focus, zest, compassion, appetite, hope and passion.

Yes… making sure our heart and soul are replenished, and refreshed, and grounded, matters.

So, the questions for every one of us are these...

Where do we go to replenish the well?

Where do we go to nourish the soul?

Where do we go to be bathed in peace?

Here's the deal: Sometimes we don't have to go anywhere. We just need to stop. And pay attention.

“I don't deny that there should be priests to remind men that they will one day die. I only say it is necessary to have another kind of priests, called poets, actually to remind men that they are not dead yet.” GK Chesterton

I’ve recently been drawn to the life and writing of Etty Hillesum. At the age of 29, Etty died at Auschwitz, but the last two years of her life led her into a deepening relationship with God. And into great solidarity with those who suffered.

She wrote, “There is a really deep well inside me. And in it dwells God. Sometimes I am there, too... Dear God, these are anxious times... We must help You to help ourselves. And that is all we can manage these days and also all that really matters: that we safeguard that little piece of You, God, in ourselves.” (An Interrupted Life: The Diaries)  SabbathMoments