Seeing Through the Glass Darkly

“Every action done in company ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.”? ? ? – George Washington

?The Bible verse 1 Corinthians 13:12 is one of the most poignant and reflective passages in scripture. It reads,?“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.”?Written by the Apostle Paul, this verse captures the tension between humanity's current limitations and the promise of divine clarity in the future. It invites readers to embrace humility in their understanding while holding on to the hope of eventual completeness.

?Paul’s metaphor of seeing "through a glass, darkly" draws from the imperfect mirrors of his time, which were made of polished metal and offered a dim, distorted reflection. This image serves as a powerful analogy for human comprehension of divine truths within the broader reality of existence. In our current state, our perception is most certainly limited; our knowledge, fragmented. But Paul contrasts this imperfection with the promise of a future where clarity will reign, a moment when we will see "face to face" and understand as we are fully understood by God. This assurance is both humbling and uplifting, encouraging believers to trust in the eventual unveiling of divine wisdom.

?Knowing that we are human and we can’t possibly know everything there is to know, even with the all of the technology available to us and exponential knowledge at our fingertips on a moment’s notice – it all begs the question: Here on earth today, in our incredibly divisive culture, where people are divided, and dare I say, hateful toward someone of differing opinions, is there a way to get back to civil discourse, i.e., having the ability to talk with one another, even love one another so that we can become “one nation under God” again?

?“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had,” – Romans 15:5

?Background

The book of 1 Corinthians from the Bible, is attributed as being written by the apostle Paul. Born around 5 CE in Tarsus (modern-day Turkey) and martyred around 64–67 CE, Paul was born a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin and was a Roman citizen by birth. He is often referred to as the "Apostle to the Gentiles" because of his significant role in spreading Christianity beyond Jewish communities.

?The Apostle Paul?wrote the book of 1 Corinthians.?It was written in the spring of AD 53, 54, or 55 as a response to a letter and report from the Corinthian church about problems in the church.?Paul wrote the letter to help the church: stay faithful to the gospel, become a dwelling place for God's Spirit, and be guiltless in the day of Jesus Christ.

?But I will say that while Chapter 13 from 1 Corinthians is for the most part known as the “love” chapter, it has some quite interesting chunks of “Huh? What was that he said?” in it. As an example, the “looking through the glass darkly” statement.

?“We can agree to disagree, but we don’t have to be disagreeable. “ – John Wooden

?Interpreting the Verse in Today’s Culture

In today’s world, Paul's metaphor resonates deeply. We live in an era marked by unprecedented access to information and a simultaneous proliferation of confusion. The "glass, darkly" could easily symbolize the opaque lens through which we interpret global events, cultural shifts, and even personal relationships. Our understanding is often clouded by biases, limited perspectives, and the sheer complexity of the issues at hand.

Consider the current political climate, particularly in the context of an election season. Political discourse today is highly polarized, with individuals often entrenched in their viewpoints, unable—or unwilling—to see beyond their immediate convictions. Social media amplifies this division, creating echo chambers where individuals interact only with perspectives that reinforce their own. The result is a collective "dark glass," through which we see only partial truths, distorted by our filters and assumptions.

?“Freedom is hammered out on the anvil of discussion, dissent, and debate.” - Herbert Humphrey

?Yet, Paul’s message offers a hopeful perspective for this fragmented reality. He acknowledges the partiality of human understanding but also points toward the hope of a fuller, clearer vision. Applying this to our culture means embracing humility in our views and extending grace to those who think differently. It suggests that we recognize our limitations and remain open to the possibility that the future holds greater clarity than we can currently perceive.

?“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” - Winston Churchill

?Applying 1 Corinthians 13:12 to Political and Cultural Conversations

The idea that we "know in part" has profound implications for engaging with today’s divisive issues, particularly during an election season such as what we just went through (or any election season I might presume depending on your perspective). In a time when the stakes feel high, and emotions run deep, Paul’s words encourage a spirit of patience and understanding.

?“We have a choice about how we behave, and that means we have the choice to opt for civility and grace.” – Dwight Currie

?1.?The Humility to Acknowledge Partial Understanding

Paul’s reminder that we see only dimly should inspire humility. No one has a perfect understanding of the complexities of politics, society, or the future. This humility can be a bridge between opposing perspectives. Instead of asserting absolute certainty, we can approach conversations with curiosity and a willingness to learn.

?“Unfortunately, civility is hard to codify or legislate, but you know it when you see it.? It’s possible to disagree without being disagreeable.” -Sandra Day O’Connor

?For example, debates about economic policy, healthcare, or climate change often become battlegrounds for competing ideologies. Yet, these issues are incredibly complex, with no single solution. Recognizing that we “see through a glass, darkly” allows us to admit that we may not have all the answers—and that others, even those we disagree with, may hold valuable insights.

?“After our ages-long journey from savagery to civility, let’s hope we haven’t bought a round-trip ticket.”? ? ? ? - Cullen Hightower

?2.?Faith in a Greater Plan

Paul’s assurance that clarity will come "then face to face" invites us to trust in a broader narrative. For Christians, this means trusting in God’s sovereignty over human history. But even beyond a religious framework, this idea encourages a long-term perspective. It suggests that the challenges and conflicts of today are part of a larger story that is still unfolding.

?“Civility isn’t just some optional value in a multicultural, multi-state democratic republic. Civility is the key to civilization.” -Van Jones

?In an election, this means recognizing that no single moment defines the future. A candidate’s victory or loss, a policy’s implementation or rejection—these are chapters, not the entire book. Holding onto this perspective can temper the anxiety and urgency that often accompany political seasons, fostering a sense of hope and resilience.

“I don’t believe in confrontation. That seems to me outside civil discourse and we all have to find ways to be civil to one another.”? – Condoleezza Rice

3.?The Call to Empathy and Unity

The final part of the verse—"then shall I know even as also I am known"—speaks to the intimacy and completeness of divine understanding. It reminds us that just as God knows us fully, we are called to seek deeper understanding of one another. In practical terms, this means cultivating empathy and striving for unity, even amid disagreement.

“Aspire to decency. Practice civility toward one another. Admire and emulate ethical behavior wherever you find it. Apply a rigid standard of morality to your lives; and if, periodically, you fail as you surely will adjust your lives, not the standards.” ― Ted Koppel

In the context of today’s culture, this could manifest as listening to others with an open heart, seeking to understand their experiences and motivations. It might mean stepping out of our ideological bubbles and engaging with diverse perspectives. By doing so, we reflect the divine love described earlier in 1 Corinthians 13—the love that "bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

?“You ultimately judge civility of a society not by how it treats the rich, the powerful, the protected and the highly esteemed, but by how it treats the poor, the disfavored and the disadvantaged…” - Bryan Stevenson

?Encouraging a Broader Vision for the Future

As we consider Paul’s words in light of the current election and cultural climate, they offer a timely reminder that our present vision is incomplete. This is not a call to complacency or disengagement but an invitation to approach the future with humility, hope, and an openness to greater understanding.

?“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent, but the one that is most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin

?1.?Finding Common Ground

One of the most practical applications of this verse is the pursuit of common ground. In political discourse, this means recognizing shared values and goals, even when strategies differ. For example, most people desire a just and prosperous society, though their definitions and paths may vary. By focusing on these shared aspirations, we can build bridges rather than walls.

?“The true measure of a man is how he treats someone who can do him absolutely no good.” - Samuel Johnson

?2.?Encouraging Hopeful Dialogue

Paul’s assurance of eventual clarity invites us to engage in dialogue with hope rather than fear. When we acknowledge our partial understanding, we free ourselves from the need to "win" every argument and instead focus on meaningful exchange. This attitude can transform political discussions from divisive debates into opportunities for growth and connection.

?“Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind, and the third is to be kind.” – Henry James

?3.?Looking Beyond Immediate Outcomes

Finally, this verse reminds us that the future holds more than we can currently perceive. It encourages us to look beyond the immediate outcomes of an election or a policy decision and trust in the unfolding of a greater narrative. This long-term perspective can foster resilience, reminding us that even in moments of uncertainty, hope remains.

?“Our maturity will be judged by how well we are able to agree to disagree and yet continue to love one another, to care for one another, and cherish one another and seek the greater good of the other.” - Desmond Tutu

?Final Thoughts

1 Corinthians 13:12 is a profound reminder of both the limitations and the potential of human understanding. It challenges us to acknowledge that we see only dimly, yet it also invites us to trust in the promise of eventual clarity. In today’s culture and political climate, this message is particularly relevant. It encourages humility, empathy, and a hopeful perspective that transcends division.

?“Freedom without civility, freedom without the ability to live in peace, was not true freedom at all.” - Nelson Mandela

?As we navigate the complexities of modern life, may Paul’s words inspire us to look beyond our "dark glass" and approach the future with faith, patience, and a commitment to understanding. By doing so, we not only honor the spirit of this scripture but also contribute to a more compassionate world as global citizens seeking unity to serve one another while living together on this tiny planet called Earth.

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??“A new commandment I give you: Love one another.?As I have loved you, so you must love one another” - John 13:34

Jess Stainbrook is an 8x Emmy Award winning producer/director and university professor who is passionate about raising up the next generation of creative professionals and visual storytellers.