Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:8a
All right, this one is not in the Flyleaf of my Bible, but it should be.
This week we celebrate Valentine’s Day.
In my study-meditation of this verse, I came to the conclusion that it does not mean that love always gets what it wants. We know that from many other clear Biblical passages, such as, 1 John 5:14-15. It is also obvious from our personal experience.
However, in its context it seems clear to me that it does mean two wonderful things:
1- Love lasts forever, in contrast to prophecy, tongues and knowledge -1 Corinthians 13:8 and faith and hope – 1 Corinthians 13:13. It also lasts forever because the True, Eternal God is love – 1 John 4:8.
2- Love keeps on loving regardless of circumstances and responses. Various Bible translations translate 1 Corinthians 13:4a Love never fails, Love never ends, Love lasts forever etc.
This love, agape in the Greek language of the New Testament, gives whatever God’s Word says to give, how He says to give it and when He says to give it, whether I feel like it or not, expecting nothing in return, except that we know that it pleases God and it is what is best for the one loved. If we love someone this way, nothing they do can stop us from loving them; therefore, love continues to love.