Faith without religion.
Jesus and Moses: Superiority and the New Covenant
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound message of 1st Corinthians 13, often celebrated as the chapter on Christian love. Paul, after discussing the various spiritual gifts in the Apostolic church, introduces a “more excellent way”—the way of love, or “agape” in Greek. This love, distinct from other forms like “eros” (romantic love) or “phileo” (brotherly love), is the love that God embodies and desires for us to choose.
Paul emphasizes that without this Godly love, even the most extraordinary spiritual gifts are meaningless. He uses hyperbolic language to illustrate that speaking in tongues, possessing prophetic powers, or having faith that moves mountains, without love, amounts to nothing. This underscores the preeminence of love over all other spiritual gifts, as love is eternal and reflects the very nature of God.
The teaching also highlights that agape love is an act of will, a choice to prioritize the well-being of others over oneself. It is a love that never fails, unlike other forms of love that may wane over time. Paul’s message is clear: Godly love is the foundation upon which all other spiritual gifts should be built, and it is the ultimate expression of our faith and relationship with God.
As we reflect on this teaching, we are reminded that love is the currency of heaven, the essence of God, and the environment of eternity. It is the only thing that truly lasts and overcomes all. Therefore, choosing to love with Godly love is not just a command but an invitation to align ourselves with the eternal nature of God.
