1 Corinthians 13:1-3

“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. ² If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. ³ If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing.”

1 Corinthians 13

God is love and light. I am drawn to His goodness like a magnet. I was reminded this week that good works, powerful words, fancy possessions, mighty positions, and even magnificent gifts do not measure up to the power of LOVE! Love should be the foundation of your speech and actions to all those around you. The apostle Paul uses four spiritual gifts in this passage to contrast with love. Paul eloquently expresses that these gifts even conducted at their most stunning demonstration fail without love.

Throughout this chapter, the Greek term for love is defined as “agape” which is the highest form of love. This is not to be confused with brotherly love. Agape is the type of love God showered upon mankind when He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins. This passage clearly demonstrates the importance of love in our daily walk as we strive to live like Jesus. I truly pray that we fully understand the magnitude of what Paul is saying! How can we go and make disciples of all nations when we fail to demonstrate love to those closest to us?

My eyes were opened to another passage today in John 8:7, “”Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone…” I strongly believe that Christians must take a stand and stop casting stones on our fellow brothers and sisters; this is not love. The devil is clever and his ways are destructive. I pray that the veil will be lifted from our eyes so that we may forgive each other, come together as one body, and be the hands and feet of Christ in love and unity.

-How can we love when we are too busy condemning?

-How can we love when we are too busy gossiping?

-How can we love when we are too busy degrading?

-How can we love when we are too busy judging?

-How can we love when we are too busy comparing?

Allow the love of Christ to flow into all the spaces within you. Be reminded brothers and sisters that while we criticize each other, the lost remain LOST! Yet, be encouraged today. As a follower of Jesus Christ, the same Spirit that raised Jesus from the grave lives within you and me! This Spirit is love. Show others God’s love through your words, your faith, and your giving.

Thankful,

Christian Armetta