Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-7
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”—1st Corinthians 13:1-3
In one form or another, nearly everyone wants to attain high achievement in their lives. Paul’s opening verses to 1st Corinthians 13 represents a person living at the pinnacle of spiritual might. Speaking in tongues, possessing prophetic gifts, understanding all mysteries and all knowledge, holding mountain moving faith and donating their possessions, even their bodies to worthy causes. Each are exceptionally admirable achievements. Yet without love they’re all meaningless.
What a sobering thought. Without love, all that we can accomplish in life is worthless, empty and void. Imagine God telling us all we’ve accomplished in life has been without value or worth. Without love, every act of worship, study, service and sacrifice has been for nothing. To accomplish anything worthwhile in our lives, love, true love must be the foundation of all we do.
Paul describes the nature of that kind of love in simple, easily defined terms: Patient, kind and humble. Centered on and celebrating others. Not easily angered. Keeps no record of wrongs. Delights in truth and goodness, not evil. Protective, trusting, hopeful and persevering in every circumstance (v4-7).
Love doesn’t revel in being right, but being righteous and gracious. Love goes beyond seeking to be forgiven, it eagerly extends forgiveness. Love isn’t content in receiving justice and mercy, it seeks that same justice and mercy for others. Love doesn’t seek the last word in a discussion, it seeks to share a word of encouragement. That kind of love doesn’t call to mind others who should exhibit all these characteristics; instead, it prompts each of us to ask, “Do I show these qualities to others?”
Is this kind of love the high achievement of my life? Is it the trademark of my lifestyle? Is it the foundation of my living?
Lesson to Remember: Unless love is the foundation for our lives, we have accomplished nothing in life.
“And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.”—1 John 4:16
