"At present we only see the baffling reflections in a mirror, but then it will be face to face; at present I am learning bit by bit, but then I shall understand, as all along I have myself been understood." (1 Cor 13:12 Moffatt).

PAUL PURSUED THE "OBSCURE EXPRESSION," LOVE.    HOW?
It was not just The Christ's teachings that Paul said we are "looking for" (Greek T.) and that will finally be "understood" (Moffatt), or "accurately known" (Greek T.). For in this same letter to the Corinthian congregation he reproved them for their shameful conduct concerning Christ's headship arrangement, their misuse of spiritual gifts, and issued to them the necessary countermeasures. No, this was something Paul was "looking for right now." What Paul was referring to was that ultimately, through Christ's subjecting of him, he would come to know perfect love; having the full realisation "face to face" of all the parts of love, and would then know how to express what was still an "obscure expression." Then, as a heavenly "new creation", Christ could employ him in the subjection to God of those still on earth, as did Christ in accurately knowing Paul's weaknesses. In this way the scripture is fulfilled: "then but I shall know accurately according as also I was accurately known." (1 Cor 13:12 Greek T.)

But before one can truly show love to another, knowledge of that person and their weaknesses is required. Further, one that has knowledge of all the parts of the love of God and is truly subject to Him, understands how best to use these necessary parts of love for others. For this reason we are told to "pursue love" (1 Cor 14:1); which means to gain accurate knowledge of the love of God, its parts, and to offer the appropriate part willingly for the benefit of others. But not unwisely, as love cannot "rejoice over unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth." (1 Cor 13:6). By initially blinding Paul to bring him to his senses, Christ showed love to Paul, opening the way for him to gain everlasting life. The Christ adopted this means to gain Paul's attention, for him to listen and be taught.

LOVE "DOES NOT KEEP ACCOUNT OF THE INJURY".
("Reckoning". 1 Corinthians 13:5.  See Greek Translation).
By persecuting his disciples, Paul was once a persecutor of Christ. Ananias said of Paul: "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many injurious things he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem." (Acts 9:13,4). But it was Paul that Christ used to bear his name to nations, kings, and to the sons of Israel. (Acts 9:15). Christ did not keep account of these injuries by Paul.  Why?  Because at that time Paul did not know what he was doing. But Christ did have knowledge of Paul's nature, and of how many things Paul was to suffer for Christ's name. (Acts 9:16). Jesus also had accurate knowledge of Judas; that Judas did know what he was doing, and an account of it has been kept. Jehovah Himself keeps account of certain injuries, and conducts a legal case for His people against enemies that have wilfully become so; especially against those who have preferred the active knowledge of the "deep things of satan". (Micah 7:8-10. Rev 2:24).

Judas Iscariot, and Ananias (Acts Ch.5), sinned in word and deed against the Holy Spirit of God. "For example, whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things, nor in that to come." (Matt 12:31,32. Heb 10:26,27. 1 John 3:8).

To sum up as to this part of love (as there are many parts to the expression of perfect love): You cannot show love to another unless first you have knowledge of that one's weaknesses and spiritual needs. When we have the full realisation "face to face" of all its parts, perfect love will no longer be an "obscure expression". But those who prefer to practice the "deep things of satan" will come face to face with shame. (Isaiah 66:5). Only when that which is complete (perfect love) is made known, and implemented by all members of the "body" of Christ, will partial knowledge of "the way" previously made known to them through such gifts of the Spirit as prophesying, speaking in tongues, and even knowledge itself, cease. (1 Cor 13:8-10). For then that which is partial will be done away with, for we will have all the requisite parts of perfect love. As a discerner of inspired utterances (1 Cor 12:10) I leave you this directive, correcting a past erroneous teaching of the sect of JWs.

 My love to all the brothers of The Christ and to those of the "other sheep" calling upon his name.

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