“Though I speak with the tongues of men and angels and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling 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, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).
This week will serve as a prelude to our May study, “Shine in Love.” As reflectors of the True Light, we must understand the need to love like Him. The Corinthian church had its share of problems. One of them concerned spiritual gifts. Paul tried to help them understand that, even if they possessed all the gifts, without love these would be meaningless. Anything we do as bearers of His Light will profit us nothing without love. First Corinthians 13 is just as relevant today as it was back then. What motivates us to do what we do for God? How deep is our love for Him and others? As we share this week, let’s consider the traits of pure love so we can prepare ourselves to shine for Him in love.
Pure love is more than being charitable. It stems from the love we have for God, though we cannot outlove God. It is seeing others as though we were looking at them through the eyes of God. It is more than just reaching out with our hands. It is opening our hearts while we open our hands. Today’s verses confirm that all our works and even enormous faith are worthless without love. If, when we are doing good, we sense our heart just isn’t in it, we may need this study as much as the Corinthians did.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Read Exodus 4:2. What’s in your hand? How are you using it for the Lord?
Special requests: Continue Pray for all who have suffered great losses through recent storms. Pray for FWB congregations who have suffered damages to their church buildings.
