“Love is patient, love is kind …” As familiar as these words are, they never seem to stray into the territory of becoming trite or silly. At their core they communicate a truth about us and about our Creator that never fails to inspire. 

But despite the fact that you’ve probably heard it at many weddings over time, First Corinthians isn’t just for newlyweds. It wasn’t written for married folks. It’s for every single one of us, in every state of life and every social situation, in every country and culture and language across the globe. 

Which means that First Corinthians is even for the online world. It’s for Facebook and Twitter and Instagram and all the other platforms I’m forgetting (there seems to be a new one every day, doesn’t there?).

A sense of division — whether rooted in politics, culture or anything else — is growing in our world, and it’s never more obvious than when we observe interactions online. It is far easier, after all, to remember what love is when a human being of flesh and blood stands before us. When all we see is an avatar or a profile picture on a screen — especially accompanied by an opinion with which we vehemently disagree — even the most loving Christians can throw First Corinthians out the window.

As everyday stewards we know that we are charged to be not only gracious but grateful. We receive others but we also give thanks for what they bring to us — even if that’s an opportunity to “strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts.”

So before the next time you post anything online, I suggest giving First Corinthians a read — and remember, love never fails.
— Tracy Earl Welliver, MTS