“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1
Although most people would never admit it, our fallen nature is very selfish. For the most part, we tend to think only about ourselves. We often have a secret ulterior motive when we show care or concern for others. The most used word in the English language is, “I”. If you were to record all your conversations for one day, when you played them back, you would be astonished at how many times you refer to yourself.
When relationships are destroyed, it can often be traced to the selfishness of one or both parties. When a business veers from a customer-based foundation to a profit-based focus, bad things can occur. That's why we hear of corporations providing false data to investors. Later, we hear how their CEO's have broken numerous laws just to pad the numbers and receive a huge bonus.
Selfishness and love cannot co-exist. One will ultimately dominate, to the demise of the other. There is a price to pay for either. Selfishness produces immediate results, but the long-term cost is enormous. Love usually has a price at the front end, but typically produces long-term dividends. While there is risk involved with both love and selfishness, love is the best of the two --- by far.
When the Apostle Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, he had to address several problems. The Corinthian church was a mess. Infighting, immorality and doctrinal problems were major issues that Paul had to write about. He also addressed the issue of spiritual gifts. He gave the church practical lessons about the gifts. He paused briefly to point them to something better.
Realizing the importance of spiritual gifts, Paul gave the Corinthian church a powerful message about love. The first three verses of 1 Corinthians 13 reveals something significant that we need as much as the Corinthians. While spiritual gifts are fascinating to study and implement, there was something far greater for Christians to experience.
Paul used some very strong language to stress the importance of Christian love. Basically, Paul wrote that it was better to love others than to employ spiritual gifts. While the Corinthians (and many today) emphasize the value of spiritual gifts, Paul tells us that love is far more valuable. If we implement public and respected spiritual gifts, but fail to have love, we have failed miserably. Notice how Paul phrases this in verses 1 thru 3:
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” In other words, if a Christian doesn't have love, then speaking with tongues is just noise. You don't heard that taught much, do you?
Verse 2 states, “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.” Two more spiritual gifts are mentioned: prophecy and faith. Yet if a believer does not have love, he is nothing … even if he is actively using these gifts. Strong words, aren't they?
Notice his words in verse 3: “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.” Pious deeds and even martyrdom are worthless if the person does not have love. How much stronger can he be in making his point?
Sadly, most Christians would rather discuss or debate the subject of spiritual gifts than to actually live with love. In fact, spiritual gifts can become a point of pride. At Corinth, pride and selfishness had become a major problem. They were enamored about spiritual gifts … to the neglect of Christian love.
Many tend to gravitate towards mysticism. We like to see supernatural events unfold. We love to hear of miracles. Yet we downplay basic matters like love. What Paul is stating in 1 Corinthians 13 is that our Christian activity needs to anchored in a foundation of love. When you sing in the choir, do so with love for Jesus, love for the other choir members and love for those who listen. When you teach Sunday School, teach with a loving heart. When you serve in any capacity, never lose that first love.
The two greatest commandments are about love … loving God and loving others. While these are the two greatest commandments, they are not commandments that most Christians seem to be focused on. Having titles, talents and spiritual gifts cannot be emphasized to the neglect of loving God and others. In fact, the proper way to serve God and others is to do so with love. Love needs to be the foundation that everything else is built on.
Perhaps we need a revival of love in our churches. Love for the Lord. Love for each other. Love for the lost.
Are you known as a loving follower of Jesus?
