◄ What Does 1 Corinthians 13:3 Mean? ►

And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body to be burned, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3(HCSB)

Verse of the Day

Love is the primary characteristic that we see in the Father's gift of His Son to the world, and in Christ's sacrifice of Himself for His Church and throughout the Church epistles, we are called to love one another in the same way that Christ loved us. Love is enriching and fulfilling for the one who loves as well as for the one who is loved.

But when the gifts of the Spirit are administered apart from love, they are of no value, either to the one who ministers or to the one to whom he is ministering. Speaking in tongues without love becomes a clamouring noise, and without love, prophesying or preaching, knowledge or faith, demeans the preacher, dishonours the Lord, and does not edify the saints.

Indeed, should one feed the hungry, clothe the naked, house the destitute, tend to the sick, visit prisoners, educate the disadvantaged, or even become a martyr for one's faith - without love - we are told: "We gain nothing."

Love of God and His Spirit of love pulsing through our lives and streaming out to others is the most important ministry any one of us can be called to undertake. The man or woman who sits at the feet of Jesus, drinking in His Word, being filled up with His love, will be those who, naturally and instinctively, love others as the overflow of Christ's love pours into those around them.

Little children, let us love one another as Christ loved us, for love is of God.

My Prayer

Heavenly Father, may the love of God stream through me so that by Your Spirit, my life may enrich the lives of others and glorify my Father in heaven. In Jesus' name, AMEN.