NorthOfNorth
|
Another thread reminded me that I do have “favourite Bible verses”. It would be the entirety of 1 Corinthians 13. No direct mention of God or complex Christian theology, just noble human ideals. With its Platonist tone, Paul is most likely speaking to an educated audience who are familiar with Platonic philosophy. The chapter transcends its early Christian platform and speaks to the heart of what all religion should be – the practise of compassion. Quote:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not compassion, 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 move mountains, and have not compassion, 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 compassion, it profits me nothing. 4 Compassion suffers long, and is kind; compassion envies not; compassion vaunts not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil; 6 Rejoices not in evil, but rejoices in the truth; 7 Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Compassion never fails: but whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is 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 spoke 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 abide faith, hope, compassion, these three; but the greatest of these is compassion.
|