The Great Power: Love

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

Read 1 Corinthians 13

TRUTH: There is a repeated phrase in 1 Corinthians 13, “but not have love.” The essence of the chapter is we can be gifted to carry out specific roles or functions in the body of Christ, but without love, any gift we have and even excel at is worthless. Without love, our speech is like “sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” We can have knowledge, understanding, and faith, but we are nothing without love. We profit nothing if we sacrifice our life for a good cause and sell all that we have to give to the poor if we “have not love.”

In “Secret Power” D.L. Moody wrote “I recommend all Christians read 1 Corinthians 13 constantly, abiding in it day and night, summer and winter, twelve months in the year. Then the power of Christ and Christianity would be felt as it never has been in the history of the world.” I read these words and remembered Jesus’ words in John 13:35, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” What two commandments did Jesus elevate above all others? Love God and love your neighbor.

IGNITE: I looked up the original Greek language of every word that described what love is and what love is not in 1 Cor. 13. Love is: long-suffering and kind. Love rejoices together in the truth, hides the fault of others, believes, and hopes all things. What love is not: envious, boastful, full of pride or self-conceit, and self-seeking. Love does not: behave in an ugly, indecent, or unbecoming manner nor does love think or count on what is bad and eternally worthless that could cause harm or injury to anyone.

These were sobering words for me today. I looked in the mirror of His word and saw where I fall short. I find myself in a place where I would rather conviction than comfort. Facing and dealing with ugliness in my heart is more desirable than maintaining status quo. I long for a closer walk with my Savior and to be filled with the power of His Spirit. Where do you find yourself? Desiring conviction and change or comfort and the same?

INSPIRE: Prayer: Precious Heavenly Daddy, Forgive me of not loving you and others the way I should. I need Your help to empty myself of me that I can be filled with You and Your love. Transform my mind and conform my will to Yours that others will be drawn to You. I love You! In Jesus Name. Amen.

Pat Domangue