What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:11?

1 Corinthians 13:11 is a verse that is often quoted and referenced in discussions about spiritual maturity and growth. The Apostle Paul writes, "When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me" (NIV). This verse is nestled within one of the most famous chapters in the New Testament, known as the "Love Chapter," where Paul eloquently describes the nature and supremacy of love.

To understand the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:11, it is essential to consider the broader context of the chapter and the epistle as a whole. Paul is addressing the Corinthian church, a community that was experiencing various issues, including divisions, immorality, and misunderstandings about spiritual gifts. In chapters 12-14, Paul discusses spiritual gifts, their purpose, and their proper use within the church. Chapter 13, in particular, serves as a poetic interlude that emphasizes the preeminence of love over all spiritual gifts.

Paul uses the analogy of childhood and adulthood to illustrate the concept of spiritual maturity. In the first part of the verse, he reflects on the characteristics of childhood: talking, thinking, and reasoning in ways that are appropriate for a child. These actions are natural and expected during the early stages of life. However, Paul contrasts this with the transition to adulthood, where one is expected to leave behind childish ways and adopt more mature behaviors and attitudes.

In the context of 1 Corinthians 13, Paul is making a profound point about the nature of love and spiritual growth. He is urging the Corinthians to move beyond their immature behaviors and attitudes, which were causing divisions and conflicts within the church. Instead, he calls them to embrace love as the highest virtue and the true mark of spiritual maturity.

Paul's use of the childhood analogy can be seen as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of a believer. Just as a child grows and matures into an adult, a Christian is expected to grow and mature in their faith. This process involves putting aside immature behaviors and attitudes, such as jealousy, pride, and selfishness, and embracing the qualities of love described in the chapter: patience, kindness, humility, and selflessness.

The broader context of 1 Corinthians 13 helps us understand that love is not just an emotion or a feeling, but a deliberate choice and action. Paul describes love as enduring, selfless, and sacrificial. It is a love that seeks the well-being of others above one's own interests. This kind of love reflects the character of Christ, who demonstrated the ultimate act of love through His sacrificial death on the cross.

In the immediate context of 1 Corinthians 13:11, Paul is emphasizing that spiritual gifts, while important, are temporary and will eventually cease. In contrast, love is eternal and will continue into eternity. This perspective encourages believers to prioritize love over the pursuit of spiritual gifts or other temporary achievements.

Paul's message in 1 Corinthians 13:11 is also a call to self-examination. It challenges believers to reflect on their own spiritual journey and consider whether they are still holding on to childish ways or if they are growing in love and maturity. This self-examination is essential for personal growth and for the health and unity of the church.

The concept of spiritual maturity and growth is echoed throughout the New Testament. For example, in Ephesians 4:13-15, Paul writes about the goal of spiritual growth: "until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ" (NIV).

Similarly, in Hebrews 5:12-14, the author admonishes believers for their lack of spiritual maturity: "In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (NIV).

These passages reinforce the idea that spiritual growth is a continuous process that requires intentional effort and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It involves moving from a state of spiritual infancy, characterized by a lack of understanding and discernment, to a state of spiritual maturity, characterized by wisdom, discernment, and Christ-like love.

In conclusion, 1 Corinthians 13:11 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of spiritual maturity and the centrality of love in the Christian life. Paul uses the analogy of childhood and adulthood to illustrate the need for believers to grow in their faith and leave behind immature behaviors and attitudes. This growth is marked by the development of Christ-like love, which is patient, kind, humble, and selfless.

As believers, we are called to examine our own lives and consider whether we are growing in love and maturity. This self-examination is essential for our personal growth and for the health and unity of the church. By prioritizing love and seeking to grow in our faith, we can reflect the character of Christ and fulfill our calling as His followers.

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 13:11 challenges us to embrace the journey of spiritual growth and to strive for the maturity that comes from a deep and abiding love for God and for others. This journey is not always easy, but it is a journey that leads to a deeper understanding of God's love and a closer relationship with Him.