In this series, God’s Love in You, we’ve been looking at what 1 Corinthians 13 has to teach us about true love, the love of God…In us! Last Mondy we looked at 1 Cor. 13:8a, which teaches us that love never fails. After this text, however, the chapter stops talking directly about love:

“Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” (1 Cor. 13:8 NIV)

Interesting that anything that has to do with knowledge, prophecies and tongues will…disappear! But not genuine love! Why? Because love never fails!

If it fails, it isn’t true love!

Have you ever heard the God’s Smuggler? This is a book written by Brother Andrew in the Netherlands about his experiences taking Bibles into places where they are not permitted. Lots of Christians have joined his ministry and follow his example. These Christians put their lives on the line to go into countries where there are very few Bibles and where those who have them have to hide them for fear that they will be confiscated.

Interestingly, those who have joined Brother Andrew in taking Bibles into these countries usually find that despite the danger to themselves, they want to go back. Why? Because they genuinely love the way God asks us to love. They know that love is more important than prophecies or knowledge or tongues. They understand that they only have partial knowledge and partial prophecies, and these things will pass away. Only love will last!

How does your love measure up to this type of love? Remember: Love is a fruit of the Spirit (see Eph. 5:22-23), and these fruits are produced in lives that are connected to the vine, Jesus Christ. The closer you walk with God, the more you will reflect His unfailing love, and the more this self-less love will shine through you to the world around you.

Do you feel God is calling you to do something, but you are afraid? Remember: “There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear…” (1 John 4:18 NIV). Spend some time with God. Ask Him to help you love with His unfailing love! You’ll be amazed at the results, guaranteed!

Rob Chaffart

(To access the entire “God’s Love in YOU” devotional series, please click here.)