Love is…
First Corinthians 13 is a beautiful ode to love. Paul holds love up like a gemstone or a work of art from every angle, reflecting on its depth and beauty: “Love is patient; love is kind…Love never ends.” And so, it’s not surprising that this passage is a favorite scripture for weddings. And it is a great choice, reminding the couple – and all who are gathered – that love is not a static gemstone or work of art to be admired from afar… but instead, must be lived, and practiced day after day.
But while these are great words for a couple who is getting married and beginning their life together, Paul wrote them to a congregation that was in conflict. They were arguing about who had the greatest gifts. Was it preaching or teaching or speaking in tongues?
In response, in chapter 12, which we explored last week, Paul uses the metaphor of the body to show that all of the gifts that God has given are not only important – but each one has a role to play, just as an eye and an ear and a hand each has a job to do for for the sake of the whole body.
There are three words for love in Greek – eros – romantic love, filio, the love of friends and agape love, the love of God. Paul writes about agape love. The gift of agape love is like the skin that holds all of the parts of the body together and holds a community together. Because love “is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude” all gifts can be honored. Because love does not insist on its own way but encourages the community to listen to others, the community is able to thrive. Maybe we can even be open to new ideas?. Likewise, because love is not irritable or resentful but instead, seeks to lift up the young, the old, the vulnerable, the stranger, the person who feels left out… and to appreciate their gifts too… love, agape love, binds people together into the beloved community of Christ.
This is who we want to be as a church, as the people of God.
We have a scout troop, Troop 67, that meets in our building. I have a soft spot in my heart for scouts, since both of my sons were scouts and it was an important part of their growing up years. And so, when Aaron invited me to do the invocation and blessing at his Eagle Court of Honor, the highest rank, I happily agreed.
An Eagle court of Honor is a time to light up the accomplishments of the scout. Aaron had many. He was clearly a young man who was good for scouting – he had tons of merit badges on his sash and participated in all of the scout programs. He had even overcome his fear of heights enough to encourage his troop to take the long hike up a mountain pass rather than an easier journey because, according to the scout leader, Aaron wanted to be an example for others to face their fears. But as strong and as uplifting as the accolades that the troop leaders heaped upon Aaron, I was most impressed with what I observed before the court of honor even began.
I got to the rehearsal early – not because I needed the practice – I’ve done a few of these before, but because I knew that Aaron would be running the rehearsal himself and that sometimes organizing a troop of adolescent boys isn’t easy – so if the adults show up on time, it’s one less thing for him to worry about.
As I waited for my line, I noticed that the boys were all very attentive and listened to Aaron’s directions. Aaron treated them all with respect and care. I also noticed that there were two boys to whom Aaron gave extra attention. The first boy is one that I had met before - he is on the Autism spectrum and very active in the scout troop. His job was to carry in one of the flags. But he couldn’t quite carry it on his own, so Aaron – who was the one being honored – carried it with him. The second scout, also had some special needs and sat in the audience. Aaron went over to him and included him, inviting him to read a small part in the program.
I was impressed with the way that Aaron exhibited incredible care for each one of the scouts.
Actions often speak louder than words. So I guess I should not have been surprised, when it was Aaron’s turn to speak, that he spoke directly to the scouts. Rather than speak about the Scout Law or the Scout Oath, Aaron encouraged them to CARE. Care about one another. Find a hill and stand on it. CARE for one another and the community around you.
Aaron chose the word “Care.” But as he was speaking, a different word came to my mind because I was reminded of Jesus’ commandment to “Love one another.” Caring for someone is a way to show love, Agape love.
Although he focuses on love, Paul lifts up three great gifts from God – faith, hope and love. In Christians community, these three gifts work together.
Simeon and Anna are great examples of faith, hope and love and the role of wise elders in the community. The Holy Spirit has given Simeon the hope and promise that he would see the Messiah. Anna is one of the very few named female prophets in the Bible. She is devout, full of faith- and hope --- despite her life circumstances. As a childless widow in that culture, she had little social standing. And yet, out of love, Agape love, they both shine a light on who Jesus is, proclaiming him as the Messiah and as the one to redeem – save – God’s people.
So how do we, in this time in which we live, proclaim faith, hope and love? How do we show care to one another – and to the community around us?
There isn’t a 7 step program. Nor is this something we can check off our list. Instead, this is the life that we are called to live into, this is the life of God’s beloved community. We are called – you and I – to live as Christ Jesus would have us live. We are to love one another – and the other, the stranger, the neighbor, the outsider, the immigrant – as Christ loves us.
This is not easy at any time. It is certainly not easy when there are some in our government sowing discord and is in a period of change and uncertainty. But what we can do, is what God has always called us to do: pray for one another --- and for our enemies and our perceived enemies. Care for the world around us. Act and speak out of faith, hope and Agape love.
Brothers and sisters, friends in Christ, the good news is that God is with us – always. For there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. And so, my prayer for you: May the Holy Spirit surround you with grace and mercy and give you peace. In Jesus name. Amen.
February 2, 2025 + Faith-Lilac Way Lutheran + Pastor Pam Stalheim Lane