“But for now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward the consummation:
1. Trust steadily in God,
2. Hope unswervingly,
3. Love extravagantly.
And the best of the three is love.”(1 Corinthians 13: 8-13, The Message)
I took the liberty of formatting it into three points. It made such sense to see it this way. There are three actions which we are to do – above and beyond what would be the norm.
The word “consummation” piqued my curiosity in this context. We usually hear it in terms of the marriage night. It is defined as … “the act of completion, perfection, fulfillment, especially of a union like a marriage.” (from dictionary.com)
With the definition before me, it made sense, beautiful sense – – – we are to do these three actions, above and beyond, for all of our days, UNTIL the marriage supper of the Lamb. This will be the consummation of our marriage to our Groom. It is then – and only then – when we will be complete, fully perfected before our Lord.
But for now, until that day, we keep on doing exactly what will lead us to that day… trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, and love extravagantly.
And the best of the three, truly is love.
For we ourselves have been loved
with the extravagant love of Jesus.
Today I am joining … Three Word Wednesday and Tell His Story and Wedded Wednesday and Women With Intention .
This reflection on I Cor. 13 (I love The Message) comes at a perfect time for me because just yesterday I was reviewing it on my walk. Your words and organizing it the way you have are so helpful.
I am so glad that the way I organized it also made sense to others 🙂 Love can sure be a challenge some days. May we grow in His love & ability to love others as well. Blessings!
Love extravagantly – I love this so much! Yes, I want to do this more and more. Thank you for your post.
As we approach Easter, this is a great reminder of the day that we will be fully perfected before our Lord!
Hi Joanne … thanks for spelling out 1 Corinthians 13 in such simple, powerful steps … it kind of clears a pathway for us that yes, by His Spirit, we can live out.
He is risen indeed!
I see that we are both delving into this spot in Scripture today, Joanne. 😉 I love what you’ve shared about the term “consummation”–linking it back to trusting, hoping and loving. It’s something I know I’ll be meditating on more as this day unfolds. Very inspiring, my friend! Thanks so much for sharing. Hugs to you!
Your kind words mean much to me, Beth. Thank you so much!
This is such a great post! Thanks for your inspiration!
Sarah
http://mybowsandclothes.blogspot.com/
This is beautiful, Joanne. So glad you shared at #ThreeWordWednesday.