A few years ago, 6th grade teachers asked their students how they defined love. Here are a few responses:
“Love is when grownups put their faces together in a yucky way.”
“Love is when mommy leaves daddy his favorite chicken piece for him to eat.”
“Love is when grandpa cuts grandma’s toenails because she can’t do it by herself.”
You’ve probably read 1 Corinthians 13: it’s frequently found in weddings, embroidered on decorative pillows, and seen on Pinterest boards. But the apostle Paul didn’t write this chapter for romance or home décor—it was written to a messy group of people. The Corinthians were busy one-upping each other, showing off their spiritual gifts like game-show contestants. Paul stepped in and said, “You’re missing the point. Let me show you the most excellent way...love (1 Corinthians 12:31b).”
Paul told his friends that love isn’t flashy or self-serving. It’s patient. It’s kind. It’s not about winning arguments or keeping score, but about forgiving when forgiveness feels impossible. It’s sacrificing when no one’s watching. Love isn’t passive; it’s active.
Imagine if we lived this out. What if, the next time you want to roll your eyes or snap back, you stop and ask, “What does love look like here?” Paul called love “the most excellent way” for a reason. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. The love he describes isn’t just beautiful or sappy; it’s transformational! How would your community be different if you acted in the most excellent way?
