Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess

is a collection of fifteen meditations, drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, perhaps the most well-known passage about love in Holy Scripture, and certainly one of the most beloved passages found anywhere in the English language. It is the centerpiece of many marriage ceremonies, but as it turns out, the Apostle Paul was not writing to young couples in love. In fact, he was writing to a church in a mess, a big mess, and what he told them has relevance for Christians today. Most of us will face a mess at one time or another in church. Why? Because church life is messy. If you don't find a mess, a mess will find you.

Each chapter contains personal stories, a meditation, and an examination of an aspect of love drawn from 1 Corinthians 13, the wisdom of Scripture, some spiritual formation "next steps," and questions for reflection and discussion. Suited for personal devotions or small discipleship groups, Love at Its Best When Church Is a Mess invites all of us to an adventure of grace, healing, and spiritual growth. Clearly, faith sends us on a spiritual journey, hope keeps us going, but it is love at its best that bids us home.