1 Corinthians 13:12 Devotional

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
-1 Corinthians 13:12

It doesn’t take much to see that the world we live in is a dark and broken place. Sickness, violence, war, and hatred seem to exist everywhere we look. When we stop to consider all the ways things seem wrong, we have to ask, “Does God care?”

Living in the middle of an evil people, the Corinthian believers must have felt hopeless. If this Jesus was worth following, why didn’t all of their problems go away when they chose to follow Him? Wouldn’t He just come back and take care of all the evil? Was Jesus really worth following?

In the same way that Satan seeks to isolate us in our sin, he also desires to draw us to feel hopeless at all of the brokenness in the world around us. When we lose our hope in Christ, we become useless vessels, unable to be agents of peace and restoration in the world.

Paul writes to the Corinthians to remind them of an important truth: Just because we cannot see why things are the way they are right now, a day will come when we will see and understand fully. Nothing catches God unaware.

God knows you better than you know yourself. Even in the midst of all your sin, God sees the beautiful creation full of potential and hope. He is constantly bringing you to Himself in restoration and sanctification. Could the same be true of the world around us?

What if the way we understand our current circumstances was like looking through a dirty window or mirror? What if God could wipe the window clean to show us the beauty that rests underneath?

This is true of us today, and true of the world around us. Though it may seem dark, God is at work to restore all things to beauty and perfection. We merely have to rest in hope and wait in faith – He will make all things new!

Questions For Reflection on 1 Corinthians 13:12

#1 One day we will see Jesus face to face, and He will reveal all the things that we have wondered. What would you ask Him if He was in front of you right now?

#2 Paul says that we are currently fully known by God. If God knows you fully, how does that impact how you live your life with openness and honesty toward yourself and others?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I pray for the day when I will know fully the things that are mysterious and hidden. I admit that there are so many things about life that I don’t understand because of my limited abilities. You Lord know all, and yet You still love me! Help me to walk in faith, knowing that you are in full control of all things and know what I need every day. I desire to live my life in Your love in such a way that I will never lose hope in Your goodness ever again!