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CHRIST – LIKE  LOVE

“…and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”   
- (1 Cor 13:2)

“Gee, I just love the décor.”  “You’ll love this shampoo.”  “I love ya, man!”  The word love is bandied so carelessly these days that it’s deepest meaning has been lost on the last couple of generations.  Paul proclaimed, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

While there is nothing wrong with complimenting someone or doing good deeds, the motive behind them must be self-examined.  Are we saying or doing things to be recognized by others or are we doing these things for love and gratitude to God for His saving grace?

1 Cor 13:4-8 tells us how we should love.  “Love is patient, love is kind.  It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil, but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails.”

Our faith, our spiritual gifts, our values, our ministry…   it must possess sincere and genuine love of others in a way that Christ is exalted and revealed.  Love is an action.  Love is a verb.

“And now these three remain:  faith, hope, and love.  But the greatest of these is love.”
– (1 Cor 13:13)

Happy Valentine's Day with love,
S. Danielson, pastor
February 2012