In the year 1647, during England's Civil War, a deserter in Cromwell's army was captured and brought before him. "When the curfew bell sounds tonight, you shall be executed," said the general. But that night, the curfew bell was not heard. Upon investigation, it was discovered that, receiving news of her fiancé’s sentence, his betrothed made her way quickly to the camp and hid in the bell tower. As curfew neared, she positioned herself within the bell in such a way that when the rope was pulled, the clapper hit her body rather than the inside of the bell. Seeing the bruised and battered lady standing before him, Cromwell was so deeply touched by her love that the soldier's life was spared. As we reflect on the words in 1 Corinthians 13, which we have all heard spoken so often at weddings, may we realize just how far we are from what is described, and may it humble us.

After describing how empty the most powerful gifts are in the church without love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, he goes on to describe that perfect love. In 13:4-8, Paul says, "Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails...". This section in 1 Corinthians 13 refers to "Agape" love. Agape, is one of the four Greek words for love and represents an unconditional love which gives simply for the sake of giving, never expecting anything in return. In the original Bible there were no chapters or verses. Though this section is often used as that love between a man and a woman, this chapter flows from the section on spiritual gifts in chapter 12. So, this section more accurately reflects the marriage between the gifts of the Spirit with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...".). Without this marriage between our gifts and the fruits of the Spirit, these gifts can prove ineffective or harmful.

In 1 Corinthians 11:28, we read "But let a man examine himself...". This chapter gives us a great opportunity to do that (examine ourselves). Wherever you read the word love (in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8), insert your name instead and see how you do. Then insert the name of Jesus...This chapter describes what God wants us to be, and how He wants His love to be operating in our lives. This is a great test to see how far I am down the road toward what the Lord would have me to be. Go ahead and examine yourself." But true love was exemplified by Jesus Christ. Going back to the original story above, Jesus Christ climbed not a bell tower, but the hill of Calvary in order that you and I would be spared the execution we so rightfully deserve. The love that Jesus showed us, the love we are to extend to one another was modeled for us on the cross, by Jesus. So, when we hear this portion of Scripture, may we be humbled realizing how far we are from that perfect love shown by our Savior, Jesus Christ. May we move forward each day clinging to Him and allowing ourselves to be transformed by the Holy Spirit to become more like Him.