What is the measure of Christian maturity? According to Paul’s teaching, even someone who is the least of all, but who has a loving character is far more ‘mature’ than someone who is intellectually or academically superior, has achieved lots in life, but who has little or no love. It makes us think… Many things gain nothing Paul makes some striking statements in 1 Corinthians 13. He states that even if we do great things such as put up with all kinds of opposition and even suffer martyrdom for our faith, or live sacrificially and give away all our possessions, or have such great faith in God or have the greatest insights into theology, yet have not love, such things gain us nothing (1 Corinthians 13:2-3). The point is – maturity is measured by love Paul’s point in 1 Corinthians 13 is not merely to describe love. He does that wonderfully in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. Instead, his point is to get the Christians in Corinth to understand that the blessing of special abilities (gifts) from the Spirit of God are not the mark of a mature Christian. Instead, a loving character is the mark of a mature Christian. Q.E.D. – Thesis, evidence and proof Paul’s thesis is that actions without love do not do anything for us (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). He supports his argument by showing that love is excellent, the pinnacle of virtues (1 Corinthians 13:4-7). He proves his point by showing that love endures, never ends, while other things are temporary and do not endure (1 Corinthians 13:8-13). Love is superior because it endures. He shows that special abilities such as special knowledge, and the gift of tongues will be unnecessary when we are perfected (when we go to be with the Lord, or when he returns, whichever is first). Maturity involves growing up from childish ways to adult ways. The temporary first things will give way to those which are lasting and mature. In the same way, the temporary need for the gifts of the Spirit will give way to the eternally lasting nature of love. He thereby shows or proves that love is the sign of maturity, over and above the gifts of the Spirit. There is a lot more in this passage, but that is his outline. How mature are we by that standard? We might be tempted to evaluate people by their natural abilities, or even their spiritual abilities such as the gifts of the Spirit (teachers, preachers, evangelists, encouragers, etc). But Paul tells us that Christian maturity is measured by how loving we are. What a challenge that is to each of us. There will hardly be anyone who would not admit that they have no room for improvement in terms of loving others. But then, what about how well we love God too – that must surely be included in what Paul was thinking of about love! Even the youngest, least knowledgeable, least intellectually able, least prominent, Christian can be most mature before God, by developing a loving character.