What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 13:11? When I was a child Paul begins with an honest admission of an earlier stage of life. Childhood is real, God-given, and marked by dependence and growth. Scripture cherishes children (Psalm 127:3; Mark 10:14), yet also shows that childhood is not the goal but a season that should lead to maturity (Ephesians 4:14). In context, Paul is comparing the present life of partial understanding to the future perfection believers will enjoy with Christ (1 Corinthians 13:10). I talked like a child Speech is the first evidence Paul cites. Children speak sincerely but limitedly. • Their words often center on self and immediate needs. • They lack discernment and restraint. James 3:2 notes, “If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man.” Paul’s point: immature love shows up in immature speech—self-promoting, impatient, or ungracious words (contrast 1 Corinthians 13:4–5). Growth in Christ transforms the tongue into an instrument of edification (Ephesians 4:29). I thought like a child Thought life shapes everything else (Proverbs 23:7). A child’s thoughts are fragmented and short-sighted. Likewise, believers who cling to jealousy or pride (1 Corinthians 3:1–3) reveal childish thinking. Romans 12:2 calls for the renewing of the mind so that we may “approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.” Mature love thinks beyond self and beyond the moment. I reasoned like a child Reasoning involves conclusions and judgments. Children reason with limited data and often from emotion. In spiritual terms, this shows up as: • Misreading trials as God’s displeasure (Hebrews 12:5–6). • Preferring visible gifts over unseen virtues (1 Corinthians 12:22–24). Mature reasoning weighs everything against God’s unchanging truth (2 Timothy 3:16–17) and eternity (2 Corinthians 4:18). When I became a man Paul signals a decisive transition. Maturity is not accidental; it comes through intentional yielding to the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) and consistent exposure to Scripture (1 Peter 2:2). The perfect “man” ultimately portrayed is Christ Himself (Ephesians 4:13). Until we see Him face to face (1 John 3:2), we press on toward that standard (Philippians 3:12–14). I set aside childish ways Growth requires putting off as well as putting on (Colossians 3:8–10). Paul’s wording shows purposeful renunciation: • Replacing immature speech with truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). • Trading shallow thoughts for Christ-centered meditation (Philippians 4:8). • Abandoning self-focused reasoning for humble, sacrificial love (John 13:34). The Holy Spirit enables this exchange (2 Corinthians 3:18). summary 1 Corinthians 13:11 contrasts childish and mature love. Childishness speaks, thinks, and reasons from a limited, self-centered perspective. Maturity, modeled by Christ, displays controlled speech, renewed thoughts, and sound reasoning rooted in Scripture. Paul urges believers to embrace the Spirit-led process of setting aside childish ways, growing up into the fullness of love that will one day be perfected when we see the Lord face to face. |
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