Applying 1 Corinthians 13 in a Marriage Relationship

1 Corinthians 13

1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.

2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing.

4 Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity brags not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;

6 Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;

7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.

8 Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.

10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.

12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

13 And now stays faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

True love in a marriage relationship is a high and holy principle that manifests as a sanctified, unselfish affection, drawing its strength directly from the love of ChristCCh 123.2+2. It is a pure and holy principle that is under the control of reason and is in perfect harmony with the Spirit of GodCCh 114.7+2.

💖 The Character of True Love vs. Passion

In a marriage governed by the principles of 1 Corinthians 13 love is not unreasonable or blind, but is characterized by modesty, sincerity, and moralityAH 50.5+1. While base passion is headstrong, rash, and defiant of restraint, true love takes God into every plan and refuses to make an idol of the companionCCh 114.7+2.

• Patience and Forbearance: Without mutual forbearance and tender love, no earthly power can maintain the bonds of Christian unity within the homeCCh 131.6+2.

• Unselfishness: Pure love does not seek its own, but leads a husband to cherish his wife as Christ does the church, seeking to sanctify and ennoble her rather than treating her as an instrument for lust Ephesians 5:25-29SA 171.2+1.

• Kindness in Speech: The voice is a talent from God that must be cultivated to bring harmony; therefore, a Christian husband or wife will never speak in a manner that irritates or wounds10MR 179.3+2.

🕊️ The Atmosphere of the Home

A marriage reflecting 1 Corinthians 13 creates a "heaven below" where the grace of God subdues and transforms the characterCCh 131.6+2.

• Mutual Respect: The husband is to be the priest of the household, binding his family to his heart with large affections, while the wife is to respect and encourage him as his companion and helpmeet10MR 202.3+2.

• Religious Vitality: Those controlled by true love will not become so absorbed in each other that they lose interest in prayer meetings or religious servicesCCh 114.7+2.

• Daily Worship: The morning and evening sacrifices of prayer are essential to hedge the children about and honor God as the center of the unionCG 539.2+2.

🛡️ Guarding the Sacred Circle

Love "rejoices in the truth" and seeks to protect the sanctity of the marriage vow, which only the violation of the marriage bed can annul 1 Corinthians 13:6BDOC 30.22+1.

• Reason over Impulse: Marriage should be entered only after careful, prayerful consideration to see if God can be glorified, as impulsive alliances often lead to miseryMYP 456.1+2.

• Loyalty to God: A man who gives up his loyalty to God to obtain a wife will likely not be loyal to his wife; thus, the relationship must be "only in the Lord"10MR 193.1+2.

• Character Development: The marriage relation is designed to soften the character, improve the disposition, and provide a symbol of the great family in heaven10MR 202.3+2.

True love is a plant of heavenly origin that grows stronger as we know more of the character of ChristPH048 23.1+1. When this love is the ruling principle, it flows forth in thoughtful kindness and unselfish courtesy, making the home a light to the world 1 Corinthians 13:4-8MYP 325.2+1.