Then I shall know fully (v.12)

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known” 1 Corinthians 13:12

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When Peter protested loudly about Jesus washing the disciples’ feet, the Lord’s answer was, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterwards you will understand” (John 13:7). The same thing could have been said to many other Bible characters. For example, Naomi, whose life was full of tragedy and sorrow, found comfort eventually through her daughter-in-law, Ruth. But it was centuries “afterwards” before God’s purpose become clear, when Jesus was born from Ruth’s family line (Matt.1:5-6).

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For all of us in this life we will only ever know partially what God is doing. We may get glimpses of his purpose, but it is only when we are able to look back from the vantage point of eternity that we will fully know and understand what God has brought about in us through our struggles.

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But even though our present understanding is inevitably partial, there is great comfort in the assurance that God’s knowledge of us is full and complete. Because of this we can trust him patiently despite our incomprehension. “Afterwards”, we shall fully know and understand.