Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Bible Reflection – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – Love Is Everything
Paul’s letter tries to remind the church of the fundamentals of the church of Christ. John 3:16 elaborates on the reason why the church was created in the first place, love.
The letter admits that it is possible to have all the wonderful gifts of Christ and still miss out on paradise. It is possible to heal the sick, raise the dead and speak miracles into being with the power of God and still miss out on heaven.
Paul is just trying to tell them that if they don’t have that fundamental love that caused God to make the ultimate sacrifice for us in the first place, we cannot please him. Love is necessary for every Christian. It is the ultimate ticket to heaven. When you have love for your neighbor, you can please the Lord.
There are times when we look at the outward demeanor of certain people and immediately assume that they are going to heaven. This is wrong. Someone may possess all the wonderful attributes that Paul mentioned but still not have love in their hearts. This hides them from the love of God.
This shows that they can cause harm to their fellow man without feeling any mercy within. This wickedness is of the devil and not of God’s people. Not having love simply means that you belong to the devil, so you need to learn how to love right.
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Declaration
I will love others as the Lord has loved me without condition.
Prayer
Dear Lord
Thank you for showing me love
Thank you for making your son die to save me
Teach me to love all your creation
Let me not harbor hate in my life
Teach me to forgive all who wrong me
Let me always have love in my heart
and let my relationship with others be filled with love
Amen
