From Superficial to Genuine

First Corinthians 13, the Love Chapter, is one of the most read passages out of the entire Bible. Attend ten weddings and you’ll hear this read at more than half of them. It is the most popular passage on the topic of love, and for good reason – God’s inspired Word records for us a lengthy definition so that we can understand it.

Throughout the chapter Paul is going to underscore how love is the most important attribute. Early on, you need to realize that the English language is very different. I don’t know of a word that is more overused, abused, and misunderstood in our language than the word, “love.” To someone who is from a different culture it’s got to be confusing to overhear our conversations. Listen to the way we use the word. We say, “I love to shop,” “I love my neighborhood,” “I love my friends,” “I love chocolate,” “I love to workout,” “I love Jesus,” “I love pizza,” “I love my spouse,” “I love football.” You see the predicament that presents for a wife who is trying to determine just how much she is loved compared to pepperoni and a sports team?!

Through our constant use of the word, “love,” we’ve discounted the value of the word. The New Testament was originally written in the Greek language. I don’t believe that was a coincidence. In my opinion, God in His infinite wisdom knows that the Greek language is a very technical and very precise language which allows us to really get the deepest and richest meanings out of it.