Jimbo's Jots

Paul closes First Epistle to the Corinthians 13 by lifting our eyes beyond the present moment:

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child… When I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways… For now we see in a mirror dimly… And now faith, hope, and love remain… and the greatest of these is love.” (13:11–13)

After describing love’s character and endurance, Paul speaks of growing up.

Pastorally, this is spiritual maturity. Therapeutically, it is emotional adulthood. Both require leaving behind reactive, self-centered patterns and learning humility and steadiness.

Childish love is easily threatened. It demands reassurance. It swings between intensity and withdrawal. Mature love is quieter. It accepts imperfection. It does not panic when everything isn’t clear.

“Now we see in a mirror dimly.” We do not see fully — not ourselves, not others, not even God’s purposes. Much conflict grows from overconfidence in our perspective. Maturity makes room for partial understanding. It chooses humility over certainty.

Emotionally mature love can say: I may not see this clearly. Help me understand.

Paul ends where he began — with what lasts. Faith trusts God’s ongoing work. Hope believes change is possible. But love is the goal toward which both are moving.

To love well is to grow up — slowly and imperfectly — into people whose presence feels steady and safe.

That is the lifelong apprenticeship of love.

Be blessed! Be a blessing!!