Together in Christ: 'God-sustained Love Lasts Forever!' — 1 Corinthians 13:8

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

— 1 Corinthians 13:8 NLT

Key Thought

Desiring spiritual gifts is commendable. [1] Unfortunately, our sinful nature can twist this holy desire and lead us to desire experiences that make us think we are more important to God's family than other believers. Seeking to be recognized as more valuable than others is both sinful and anti-Jesus. [2] Desiring to be more significant than others is wrong. Human accolades and status are fleeting. Jesus even taught that when the goal of our worship and service to God is to draw attention to ourselves, then we lose our future reward from God. [3] God - Father, Son, and Spirit - gives spiritual gifts to us based on His sovereign choice. [4] The gifts are part of this transient world that will pass away, and then those gifts will be useless to us because they are not needed.

Several things last forever. Death can't strip them away or make them useless. Our relationship with God through Jesus, along with the Spirit's presence in us, lasts forever. [5] God's love for us, our love for God, and our love for each other all last forever. Loving God and loving others are the greatest commands. [6] They also are our way of touching what is eternal while we are still mortal! We love because God first loved us. [7] We also love because "love will last forever!" [8]

[1] 1 Corinthians 12:31.
[2] Luke 22:24-27; Philippians 2:1-11.
[3] Matthew 6:1, 5, 16.
[4] Romans 12:6; 1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-7; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Peter 4:10-11.
[5] Romans 8:32-39; Ephesians 1:13, 4:30; 1 John 4:13.
[6] Matthew 22:36-40.
[7] 1 John 4:7-12, 3:16-18.
[8] 1 Corinthians 13:8, 13.

Today's Prayer

Jesus, I want to love the Father and my brothers and sisters in Christ as You do! I ask the Holy Spirit to help me understand AND demonstrate that love with humility, kindness, and service. [A] Open my eyes to my ability to touch what is eternal as I follow Your example of loving sacrifice and service. [B] Thank You, Lord Jesus. Amen.

[A] Romans 5:5; Ephesians 3:14-19.
[B] Philippians 2:6-11.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

7 Related Resources by Heartlight

Love never fails
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 13:8
Image from 1 Corinthians 13:8 -- Love never fails.
Considering Valentine's Day
Article by Sarah Stirman
So what's really the deal with Valentine's Day? Sarah Stirman talks about Valentine's Day and what it means to be really in love and to share love.
Love Never Ends
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, O God of love! Let me possess love, for love never ends. I know that prophecy, tongues, and knowledge will pass away, for they are all....."
A Mother's Beautiful and Tenacious Grace
Article by Cathy Messecar
This is how much a mother can love! Cathy Messecar shares a beautiful story about an adoptive mom and dad who have shown tenacious and beautiful love to a young man born with very challenging physical limitations.
See All 7 Related Resources about 1 Corinthians 13:8

Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 13:8 NLT — Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever!

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Avery D. Miller:
"My liberty as a Christian should always be supremely shackled by the love I am commanded to have towards another."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Isaiah 54:12
"The church is most instructively symbolized by a building erected by heavenly power, and designed by divine skill. Such a spiritual house must not be...."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'We Take Responsibility' (Mt. 27:22-26)
"[When the crowd asked for Barabbas to be released,] Pilate responded, "Then what should I do with Jesus who is called the Messiah?" They shouted....."
Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Be Exalted!' (Ps. 57:5)
"Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let your glory be over all the earth."

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More Together in Christ