Commentaries:
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1 Corinthians 13:11
Paul is saying that youth (children) exhibit characteristics that define them as different from adults, and that those characteristics must be cast aside before one is really an adult. These characteristics are not just signs of youth, but are signs of immaturity at any age. However, this world is constantly pressuring and convincing the youth to believe that they are more mature than they actually are. Currently, the number one and two causes of teenage death are accidents and suicide. This demonstrates that mentally, emotionally, and morally, teens are unable to handle the pressures of adulthood, and that they crash before ever reaching it.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Sanctification and the TeensRelated Topics: Children, Characteristics of | Immature Standards | Immaturity | Spiritual Immaturity | Spiritual Maturity | Spiritual Maturity, Process of
1 Corinthians 13:11-12
Paul admonishes us—by instructing us "to put away childish things" (verse 11), as well as his reference to a mirror (verse 12)—that love is something we grow in. It must be perfected. What we have now is partial. Therefore, God does not give it to us in one huge portion to be used until we run out of it. In that sense, we must always see ourselves as immature. But a time is coming when love will be perfected, and we will have it in abundance like God. In the meantime, while we are in the flesh, we are to pursue love (I Corinthians 14:1).
This indicates that the biblical love is not something we have innately. True, some forms of this quality we call love come unbidden; that is, they arise by nature. But this is not so with the love of God. It comes through the action of God through His Spirit, something supernatural (Romans 5:5).
John W. Ritenbaugh
The Fruit of the Spirit: LoveRelated Topics: Agape | Love | Love of God | Mirror as Metaphor | Perfection | Perfection, Going On To | Putting Away Childish Things | Spiritual Growth | Spiritual Growth, Process of | Spiritual Maturity | Spiritual Maturity, Process ofOther Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Corinthians 13:11:
<< 1 Corinthians 13:10 1 Corinthians 13:12 >>
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What Does 1 Corinthians 13:11 Mean?
Paul's instruction to put away childish things reveals that love is something we grow in and must be perfected. What we have now is partial, so we must always see ourselves as immature. A time is coming when love will be perfected and possessed in abundance like God. Meanwhile, we are to pursue love, since the love of God is not innate but comes supernaturally through His Spirit. The characteristics defining youth are signs of immaturity at any age and must be cast aside before one is truly an adult. This world pressures the young to believe they are more mature than they are. Our image is incomplete; we must wake up, put away childish things, and grow into God's holy image, which is love.