Some of the community members in Corinth were using their alleged spiritual gifts to exercise power over others. They were dividing the community and infecting it with an unhealthy spirit of competition and selfishness. Paul now describes the 'more excellent way' - the best spirituality and mysticism there is: love. It is everything that the troublesome Corinthians were not: patient, kind, humble, forgiving, and always thinking of the good of others. When everything else passes away, only love remains. If we have not learned to love then we do not have much to present to God. Love is not as flashy as miracles but it is no less miraculous - and it reflects our God who is love. Each day we are given many opportunities to learn and practise love. The opportunities will come in the form of the people and situations we meet. We need only have our eyes, hearts, and minds open and ready to learn the lessons we are presented.

Jesus on the cross is the perfect example of applied love - he does not think of his own suffering or impending death. His sole concern is the well-being of his mother and of the community he leaves behind. When we are suffering or having difficulties there is a great temptation to remain wrapped up in ourselves. The best cure is to remain focused on others and to respond to the situation with patience and love.