1). Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2). 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, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3). And though I bestow all of my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and not have charity, it profiteth me nothing. 4). Charity suffereth long, and is kind;charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up. 5). Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil. 6). Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7). Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8). Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
1 CORINTHIANS 13:1-8 KJV
In these verses, the apostle Paul talks about love and its preeminence over speech, knowledge, generosity, and self-sacrifice . He then describes the nature of biblical love, which is patient, kind, humble, and slow to anger.
Practicing this kind of love, however, isn’t always easy. One reason is that it doesn’t come naturally. Pure Christian love puts others ahead of ourselves, even when our human inclinations clamor to take the highest position for ourselves. A second challenge is the temptation to withhold affection until others apologize or change their behavior. We typically remember the offense long after it has occurred. But that’s not what Christ did—He loved us while we were still sinners!
In (MARK 12:30-31), we are called to love both the Lord and people around us. We’ve received the Holy Spirit, who will help us learn how to care deeply for others. Experiencing the Father’s love and demonstrating it to those around us are meant to be two of the greatest joys in a believer’s life.
Look for ways to practice these points in your relationships!
-IBC
Comments