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Re I Cor. XIII; One of my favorites, to be sure.

As yu probably know, the english word "Charity" is translated from the Greek "Agape'" (I don't have greek font here - pronounced "ah-GA'-pay") around the year AD 1611 for the English King James verion of the Bible.

The Ancient Classical Greeks had several words for "Love", like some Eskimos have several words for "snow"; Philos, Storgie, Eros... and the higest, Holiest, most Spiritual and self-sacrificial form of Love was Agape'.
There is no doubt that the Apostle Paul used this word quite intentionally when he wrote this portion of Scripture.

Many (if not most) more contemporary English translations of the Bible render the word "Love" rather than "Charity" where surviving ancient texts use "agape'"; the meanings of english words have evolved and morphed over the past 300 years or so, and modern translations reflect this evolution.

An excellent resource on this may be found in C.S. LEWIS's "The Four Loves" and similar works by Rev. "Billy" GRAHAM and others.

Here is an excersize in Spiritual imagery which I enjoy, and challenge you to try as well;

As you read (or even better, recite) your old KJV 1-Cor.XIII, instead of "charity" every time it appears, speak in it's place the precious Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.

I humbly submit to you that this will not constitute a desicration of God's Word, but rather an illumination of it; please let the Holy Spirit confirm this to you if you sense any doubt.

"If I speak with the tounges of men and angels, but have not Jesus Christ, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal...."

You see, my Sister; That which describes in detail the distinguishing characteristics of Holy LOVE, is simultaniously describing, in meticulous detail, the distinguishing character, nature, and personality of our Blessed Lord.

"(Christ) is patient; (Christ) is kind..."

Try it, and see what Light springs forth from within you.

I would be interested to know.

Remember this?: "God is _______."

Now can you fill in the blank? Oh, yes; this revelation appears more than once in Scripture, and not all with the same descriptor. But check, if you will, your Strong's Concordance (or similar) as to the original Greek it was taken from, and it's definition.

Then let me know, if you will, if you begin to see a beautiful pattern which you may have previously overlooked begin to reveal itself within the Sacred tapestry of Holy Scripture, as the Holy Spirit opens the eyes of your Soul to it's Glory.

Blessed Be.