Bible Studies for Life
A Love for Others
1 Corinthians13: 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 profiteth me nothing.
Any gift or ability would be less important than love for one another. Without love, all the spiritual gifts are not only useless but potentially destructive. Agape love, is the term used by Paul in this verse and describes God’s unconditional love for believers. It is the type of love believers are to have for one another. Paul said that the exercise of the gift of tongues without love is worthless to the church. If someone did possess Gift of prophecy that gift and the person possessing that gift would be “nothing” without love. Jesus’s words about faith moving mountains indicate that even a small amount of faith could move mountains if God so willed it. Paul’s central idea was the same as in his discussion of tongues and prophecy – all spiritual gifts are subordinate to the practice of love. A life of giving away all of one’s earthly possessions or even literally giving up one’s life for others is useless if it is not accompanied by love.
1 Corinthians 13: 4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
Long-suffering (patience) means not lashing out at others who offend or hurt us. It also means putting the needs of others before one’s own needs. Paul paired kindness, an active quality, with patience, which is a passive quality. Paul turned to several negative descriptors to teach what love is not like. Paul denounced boasting. Arrogance is similar to boastfulness. To be arrogant is to have an exaggerated view of oneself. To behave unseemly is the opposite of respectful and proper behavior. Love looks out for the good of others before it looks out for itself. One is not easy to anger or exasperate. Paul taught love is slow to become angry. Love is not short-tempered but is patient with others. Loving one another means not keeping track of the wrongs committed. We are to forgive one another, just as God forgave us in Christ. Believing all things focusing on God and His promises. Love has faith in the future grace of God. The way that God has acted with love, grace, and faithfulness in the past is a guarantee of how He will act in the future. Enduring the failures and mistakes of others is part of being a Christian.
1 Corinthians 13: 8 Charity never faileth: 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 spake 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 abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
Prophecies, tongues and knowledge shall all pass away when God’s people will know Him in a direct relational way in heaven. The perfect kingdom of Christ will consummate when He returns to put an end to sin and death. The story line of scripture is the story of God’s unfolding revelation of Himself to His people.
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Redemption*
Ruth 3: 8 And it came to pass at midnight, that the man was afraid, and turned himself: and, behold, a woman lay at his feet. 9 And he said, Who art thou? And she answered, I am Ruth thine handmaid: spread therefore thy skirt over thine handmaid; for thou art a near kinsman. 10 And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast shewed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich.
When Naomi found out where Ruth had been working, she told her daughter -in-law that Boaz was a near relative. As such, he could be in line to serve as a kinsman-redeemer according to the Jewish custom of levirate marriage. Once Boaz got over the shock of finding a woman at his feet, Ruth explained why she had come. With humility, she urged Boaz to take her (and Naomi) under his wing as the family’s redeemer. The phrase ”take me under your wing” was a beautiful way to express a redeemer’s actions. Ruth inquired about his willingness to fulfill the role of kinsman-redeemer by marrying her.
Ruth 3: 11 And now, my daughter, fear not; I will do to thee all that thou requirest: for all the city of my people doth know that thou art a virtuous woman. 12 And now it is true that I am thy near kinsman: howbeit there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Tarry this night, and it shall be in the morning, that if he will perform unto thee the part of a kinsman, well; let him do the kinsman's part: but if he will not do the part of a kinsman to thee, then will I do the part of a kinsman to thee, as the LORD liveth: lie down until the morning.
Boaz commended Ruth, recognizing her reputation as a woman of noble character. However, he explained that another man was a closer relative. According to the law, this man had a prior claim as a kinsman-redeemer. Boaz assured Ruth that he would marry her if the other man did not. Either way, he was determined to make sure that Ruth and Naomi would be cared for.
Ruth 4: 13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife: and when he went in unto her, the LORD gave her conception, and she bare a son. 14 And the women said unto Naomi, Blessed be the LORD, which hath not left thee this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be unto thee a restorer of thy life, and a nourisher of thine old age: for thy daughter in law, which loveth thee, which is better to thee than seven sons, hath born him. 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it in her bosom, and became nurse unto it. 17 And the women her neighbours gave it a name, saying, There is a son born to Naomi; and they called his name Obed: he is the father of Jesse, the father of David.
The next morning, Boaz approached the would-be-kinsman-redeemer. The man was interested in Elimelech’s property, but not in marrying Ruth. So, he deferred to Boaz. Once the agreement was made, Boaz took Ruth to be his wife. She later gave birth to a son named Obed. This child was a blessing and comfort to Naomi in her old age. Obed later became the father of Jesse, who was the father of King David. Centuries later, Jesus the Messiah was born from his family’s lineage.
Summary Statement:
Boaz played the role of kinsman-redeemer by marrying Ruth, pointing to Jesus as the Redeemer.
-When believers face times of uncertainty, we will have to step out in faith.
-We can turn to God with our fears and trust Him to respond.
-We can be assured of God’s continual care for us since He demonstrated it in His redemptive plan.
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