The mirror of life

1 Cor 13:12For 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.

A glass or mirror back at the time of Jesus was not as the ones we have today. It was actually not made of glass, but of steel. The reflections were far from perfect, but you could see the shape and an imperfect and blur reflection of yourself. The amplified version says it like this:

12 For now [in this time of imperfection] we see in a mirror dimly [a blurred reflection, a riddle, an enigma], but then [when the time of perfection comes we will see reality] face to face. Now I know in part [just in fragments], but then I will know fully, just as I have been fully known [by God].

We view life down here through an ancient glass or mirror. Paul says that the things we see and experience here are not the whole story. Not the real picture. What we see and experience down here are just a blur reflection of reality. The word translated “darkly” means a riddle. We get some clues, but some things don’t seem to make sense. But one day, we will see the perfect and real picture. One day it will all make sense. One day we will get the answer to our life’s riddle.
But when things are difficult to understand, and hard to get, Paul goes on to say we have three things to help us in this imperfect understanding: “Faith, Hope and Love.” 

Hope is knowning what you CAN believe in

Faith is knowing WHAT you believe in

Love is knowing WHY you believe in it