Today's Passage - 1 Corinthians 13:8-13

1 Corinthians 13:8-13   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 perfection comes, the imperfect disappears. When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.   Paul mentioned the eternal nature of love in this passage.  Spiritual gifts are limited and they will cease.  When? Verse 10 says "when perfection comes" and verse 12 says "then I shall know fully".  In other words, when the Lord returns and we stand before His throne and see Him face to face.  He Himself is our supplier and can fully meet all our needs, while spiritual gifts are limited. What we know and what we say is limited.  Whether it is prophecies or tongues, these are not perfect. Even pastors are not perfect and cannot guarantee that every word they say is accurate. This is because the human mind is limited and our ability to analyze is limited. As such, the people listening must always discern.   Spiritual gifts are limited and our lives are limited. Who can say that their spiritual knowledge is 100% perfect? Let us come before God and admit that we are but like children. Each time when I read this passage, I will feel a great relief, knowing that my knowledge of God is like a poor reflection in the mirror, and I can only attempt to experience God him through the depths of my soul as much as possible. Only when we meet with the Lord face to face, will we truly discover His glorious beauty that is beyond our imagination.   In our limited life, the greatest is love, because love never fails, and it endures forever until we see the Lord.  May the Lord help us not to overly focus on signs and wonders, or on knowledge and intellect, but to focus on the sacrificial love of Christ. Only when we have the love of Christ inside us, can the world know that Christianity is from God and that Jesus Christ is indeed the son of God and the Savior of all mankind.          Pray with Pastor Tong   Lord, may you bless us so that we may not only receive your love, but once again humble ourselves to acknowledge our weakness and limitations.  May we be like children who can come to you openly and without fear, to receive your love.  Help us to live out your love when we work, minister and serve together.  We thank you and pray in the victorious name of Jesus, Amen!     Find out more about ROLCC Ignite English ministry, a dynamic multi-ethnic young professional congregation!