April 4 ~ 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
What if I could speak all languages of humans and of angels? If I did not love others, I would be nothing more than a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. What if I could prophesy and understand all secrets and all knowledge? And what if I had faith that moved mountains? I would be nothing, unless I loved others. What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.
Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do. Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil. `Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.
Love never fails! Everyone who prophesies will stop, and unknown languages will no longer be spoken. All that we know will be forgotten. We don't know everything, and our prophecies are not complete. But what is perfect will someday appear, and what isn't perfect will then disappear. When we were children, we thought and reasoned as children do. But when we grew up, we quit our childish ways.
Now all we can see of God is like a cloudy picture in a mirror. Later we will see him face to face. We don't know everything, but then we will, just as God completely understands us. For now there are faith, hope, and love. But of these three, the greatest is love.
Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.
I can’t think of a better day for this scripture passage. When we consider God’s love for us – a love that caused Him to send His only Son to die for our sins – this scripture passage is a fitting one. When we think of the resurrection – how the power of God was so strong that even death and the tomb could not contain Jesus – it is fitting to read these verses.
There is no way we can comprehend the depth and breadth of God’s love for us. It is all-consuming, overwhelming, incredible, amazing… and given unconditionally. God’s love is beyond anything in our capacity. But we can strive to love others more… to be patient, humble, without envy and pride, courteous, slow to anger, quick to forget, supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting. We can grow up and at least try to act more like Christ and model the behavior He showed us.
We can show God our gratitude and give Him praise for loving us so well… and for sending Jesus. We can thank Him that Christ rose from the grave… and that in doing so, we are promised that we will rise to spend Eternity with Him someday. If we do not strive to love as Jesus taught, the “Easter experience” is wasted on us. If we do not have faith that God will fulfill His promises, then why did Christ die on the cross and rise from the tomb? If we do not love others, Jesus does not matter. And we all know better – Jesus does matter – nothing about Jesus is a waste!
We don’t know everything – God has not revealed all of the answers. But we have faith, hope and love… and for now, these are sufficient. Today and in days to come, give all three your heartiest workout. And toss in praise and thanksgiving to God, as well. Hallelujah! Christ is Risen! Praise be to God Almighty! Happy Easter… share God’s love with others today… and always!
©2010 Debbie Robus
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