I Corinthians 13:9-13 makes it clear that no one is perfect – Jesus Christ is the only Man Who walked in perfect Love. We as humans are not perfect, however, those who are in Christ are being brought to perfection in Him.
I Corinthians v.9-10 says:
“For we know in part and we prophecy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.”
The Amplified of the same verse says “for our knowledge [of God, Who is Love] is fragmentary and incomplete.”
Every believer has room to grow in God, in Love.
v.11-12 AMP
“Now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].”
Now, with an understanding of the previous scriptures, v.13 can be better understood. After uncovering the imperfections and incompleteness our present state [as humans], the Apostle Paul gives the three essentials of a continuing walk with/in God – even though we only know in part, we are in the Pursuit of Perfection.
v.13 AMP
“And now there remain:
Faith – abiding trust in God and His promises,
Hope – confident expectation of eternal salvation,
Love – unselfish Love towards others growing out of an appreciation of God’s Love towards us,
these three [the choicest graces]; but the greatest of these is Love.”
In the pursuit of perfection, Faith, Hope, and Love are essential. They are the abiding virtues of a walk with God, with Love being the greatest of them all.
Now, the acknowledgement of our human imperfections should not cause anyone to be discouraged, but rather serve as a form of encouragement to be diligent and steadfast in the pursuit of perfection. The words of the Apostle Paul in Philippians 3:12-15 AMP provide a good example and illustration of the mindset of a mature believer:
12 Not that I have already obtained it [this goal of being Christlike] or have already been made perfect, but I actively press on so that I may take hold of that [perfection] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me and made me His own. 13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider that I have made it my own yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the [heavenly] prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 All of us who are mature [pursuing spiritual perfection] should have this attitude. And if in any respect you have a different attitude, that too God will make clear to you.”
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