1 Corinthians 13 - Week 1

TWF small groups will be studying through the book "Loving the Way Jesus Loves" by Phil Ryken.  He helps us examine the love chapter of the bible, 1 Corinthians 13, as a way to recognize how Jesus loved others and how we can follow in his example.  Check this video to learn more about the book and the author's intent with it. 

Each week we will hear from a specific small group member who has studied the chapter and reflected on what God has taught her over the following days.  Whether or not you are in a small group this semester, you are welcomed to join in the conversation on Fridays to reflect on what God has taught you from the week's specific passage.


1 Corinthians 13 - Week 1
by Laura Bazal

No matter what God has given us

and no matter what we have done for God, 

it means nothing 

without 

love.

This week we read about the overall message of 1 Corinthians 13 - what we have, what we do, and who we are - it's all nothing without love. Ryken illustrates this specifically by referring to Jesus' conversation with the rich young ruler in Mark 10.  He points out that this man had done everything right according to the law, and he saw that as merit for inheriting eternal life.  Jesus heard this, loved him, pointed out the thing he lacked, and instructed him to sell all his possessions, giving it to the poor, and following Him.

We know what comes next - the rich young ruler is dismayed and walks away with sadness.  Was Jesus calling him to give up much?  He called him to give up everything that he found security in - his wealth and possessions - to inherit eternal life.  Why did he have to give up these things?  Because the young man loved those things rather than loving Jesus, and he would follow, or chase, after those things than chasing after God.

It's easy for conversation about serving the poor to come out of a study about this passage, and it forced my friends and I to look at ourselves and our own generosity.  Seminary couples and families are not typically rich.  It costs a lot of time, money, and comfort to enter into this season, and many sacrifices, money included, are often made.  Yet if we make these sacrifices without love, it doesn't matter.

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 NIV
If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. ³ And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing.

 Ryken describes in this chapter the following: "Understand that when Paul gives us this list of things that are nothing without love, he is really including all of our spiritual gives and so-called accomplishments.  No matter what God has given us and no matter what we have done for God, it means nothing without love (23)."  

Whatever it is - giving to the poor, speaking God's truth, serving those in need - is ultimately nothing without love. However, we are able to bless others in incredible ways if we do have love, and this is totally possible with Christ (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).  


What are you compelled to give or give up to love others more?  Is it your money, your time, your insecurities, your gifts, your words? 

How do you view the book of Corinthians, and how have you seen it used in the past? 

Thanks for reading, and share in the comments below!