I am fascinated by how 1 Corinthians 13 is used in Christian circles as a declaration of love and unity. It’s been read at most—if not all—of the weddings I’ve done over the decades. A lot of people feel cheated if it’s not read; in fact, many people believe that it’s part of the actual ceremony! (For the record, it’s not.)
What’s interesting is that what appears to a treatise on the blessings of love and unity was actually written by Paul in response to the opposite situation. Paul declares love as the greatest power in a community that seems to be lacking a lot of it. Unlike the marriage vow moment, Paul does not introduce this passage to affirm an ethic already present in the community. He presents this passage as a way to introduce into the community an ethic that is necessary if they are to survive the muddy waters of difference and disagreement produced in interpersonal relationships.
The Corinthian Church was—to put it mildly—a diverse group in just about every way possible. Unfortunately, the diversity among the Corinthians dissolved into discord and rivalry. This was a community fragmented, rather than enriched, by difference. Yet, Paul remains firm that this diversity is non-negotiable. God has called this community to be diverse, Paul was telling them, deal with it and his letter—especially chapter 13—was a call to action. You’ve heard me say that God is more concerned with our character, not our comfort and so Paul did not intend the language of 1st Corinthians to be easily digested, or for the letter to be quickly accepted. The point was not to make its readers feel comfortable and affirmed in love. The point was to create cognitive dissonance. Although aesthetically beautiful, the ode is meant to motivate a new action plan among the members that secures the community’s survival and concord into the future.
Make no mistake. The love Paul is talking about here is not passive and fluffy. This kind of love is an up at dawn, feet on the ground, tools in hand, working kind of love. It builds communities. It nurtures positive social interactions, and not just social networks (which many of us have come to prefer). Paul’s declaration of love unifies.
Love is the way by which we talk to each other, eat with one another, fellowship together, and affirm all. Love transcends our self-imposed caste systems and personal biases. It forms whole and holistic people, who are anchored in the well-being of others. Love will not let us down if we genuinely live in it together.