If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I give all my possessions to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Love is the supreme virtue! This quality is central to the human experience. With it, life is worth living- in spite of great suffering and difficulty. Without it, nothing (even great success) really matters. Some have said that love is the oxygen of the kingdom of God. Following his discussion of the use of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, Paul shows us the more excellent way- to love in all situations and in all ways. Love is to underpin, motivate, and accompany all Christian ministry. Anything less will not profit.
Is love the beginning, middle and end of my ministry? What aspect of love is deficient and needs to grow?
God as this day begins, oh I thank You for Your manifold expression of love in my life. Fill me again today, to use me for Your glory. The gifts You’ve given me are available for the edification of others and the expansion of Your kingdom. I want to live the more excellent way.
