Finding 1 Cor 13 in Ethiopia

Finding 1 Corinthians 13 in Ethiopia

I won’t for one second say that I fully comprehend the meaning of love. Even though I have been blessed beyond measure in experiencing love from family and friends, there are still times that I would have to confess that I have no idea when it comes to love.  But in the streets of Addis Abba, among the people of Ethiopia, among the widows and orphans, among my own team members, I got the chance to experience it a new.

Ethiopia is full of opportunities to become a real feel-good-doer of the law.  In other words: a work-driven-Christian.  There are many who are sick and crippled; many need healing.  Many are poor; you can hand out many or even all of your possessions.  Many are in need of miracles; you can make use of your mountain moving faith.  Many are in search of answers, the gift of prophecy to know all mysteries and all knowledge could be used.  Still Paul says that without love, none of these listed above, benefits me at all. 

During the past few weeks I had the privilege to be invited into several homes of Ethiopian families, and in each of these homes, coffee was offered.  These homes are made-up homes.  Made-up of widows and orphans.  Widows are given the chance to become mothers and orphans are given the chance to become children, to belong to a family.

This is not a quick westernized 5 minute instant cup of coffee. No! This is a coffee ceremony, specially performed for the guests.  This takes time, maybe 45 minutes to an hour.  Green beans are roasted, then they are grinded, the coffee is made and offered in what looks like miniature tea-cups.  Popcorn and bread are served together with the local ingera and watt.  The best are given.  No questions are asked before LOVE is given.  LOVE that is kind, LOVE that is patient, LOVE that is not selfish with time, and LOVE that is not selfish with what they have. LOVE that does not keep track of wrong-doings.  LOVE that crosses over the language barriers of Amharic and English. 

To some extent I believe that Ethiopia is not that different to South Africa (or where in the world you may be) when it comes to opportunities that surround us to do good to others.  And YES, we should do good!! Paul makes it clear that faith without deeds cannot be.  Together with Paul I pray that you may know the love of Christ Jesus that surpasses knowledge.  I pray that our deeds will always be accompanied with love, the love that bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.