Growing into Love

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” I Corinthians 13:11-13 (ESV)

Childhood is an important nurturing time. We hear much about aberrations in behavior in school children, in social situations, in the work place, in family life and even in our churches that can be traced to some childhood trauma, mistreatment or abuse. Unless we can put away childish thoughts and behavior and act as responsible adults, we are likely to be maladjusted. Much time and energy are spent on trying to right wrongs experienced in a formative period of life. How fortunate the child with loving, Christian parents to emulate, who can grow in an environment of peace and concern. It even takes what we call “tough love” to accomplish this atmosphere, together with much dependence upon the Lord.

The Christian seeks to grow in maturity. It was said of Jesus that “He increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” (Luke 2:52). As a man, a mature individual, the Christian “puts away childish things.” He grows in agape
love.

Here as we struggle and evaluate our progress in the Christian life, it is sometimes like looking into a poorly made mirror such as the ones used in the days of Paul the Apostle. The reflection seen is distorted at best, dim. But when the Christian looks face-to-face upon the example Christ left for each to follow, we see a way made manifest, not as in an oblique or poorly-silvered mirror. The Bible is our guide for these Christ-like characteristics. It is a big order to emulate, to grow in the kind of love Christ always demonstrated. We begin this sanctification journey here in this life. It will be completed with glorification in the life to come when “we shall know, even as also we are known.” In the meantime, we are to seek to grow more Christlike in behavior and action.

We continue to need all three, faith, hope and love, as we pursue the Christian journey on earth. Faith is our trusting commitment to God. Hope is trustful expectation of the fulfillment of God’s promises. Love, agape love, is unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the well-being of others as well as our love for God. “Faith, hope and love abide, but the greatest of these is love.”

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Friday, February 19, 2010