Nothing Without Love

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, NIV)

I may speak in different languages, whether human or even of angels. But if I don’t have love, I am only a noisy bell or a ringing cymbal. I may have the gift of prophecy, I may understand all secrets and know everything there is to know, and I may have faith so great that I can move mountains. But even with all this, if I don’t have love, I am nothing. – (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, ERV)

If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and I know all the mysteries and everything else, and if I have such complete faith that I can move mountains but I don’t have love, I’m nothing. If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever. – (1 Corinthians 13:1-3, CEB)

 

All that we say and all that we do is meaningless if each are not motivated by love. More than any words or any deeds or any acts of faith, God desires that we choose love. Above all else, there must be love. Jesus went on to tell us that all of the commandments and all of the laws can be fulfilled if we love God and love people. May we ever pursue a path that presents a palpable passion to love God and love people, as we are loved by Him.

 

Wonderful, wise words,

Mean nothing at all;

If not said in love,

Such words with just fall.

Great acts of giving,

Or faith that moves all;

If not done in love,

They’ll be our downfall.

Our call from the Lord,

To love Him and all;

Lest our words and deeds,

Must reflect our call.

So, let us go forth,

In word and in deed;

Choose love over all,

For such love meets needs.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us, above all else, to love. Thank You that You give good gifts and equip Your people to love in a variety of ways. Forgive us for every word spoken and every deed done, that were not motivated by love. Teach us how to align our every word and action with the love that comes from You. Show us how to love those around us as we are loved by You. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we are intentional to love You and love those around us, above all else. Amen.

 

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

 

Jesus replied: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”… And the second is like it: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” – Matthew 22:37 & 39

Silent to Speak

“My dear brothers (and sisters), take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.” – James 1:19

We are to pay attention and keep in mind that we are to be ever ready to listen, slow to speak (waiting first to hear God’s heart in the matter), and slow to become angry; for our actions done in anger are not in line with the life the Lord longs for us to live in Him.

“In your anger do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent.” – Psalm 4:4

It is in silence and stillness that we are most seasoned to hear His Spirit speak to our hearts.  When chaos runs rampant and we do not slow down in silence, we become deaf to the wisdom and warnings of His word.  As we are intentional to sit in silence before Him, our Savior will show us the space where anger or hurts are getting in our way.  When we allow Him to reign as we remain silent, He is swift to speak the words our hearts need to hear, so that we, in turn, are able to speak soundly; free from anger and regret.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You are ever faithful to speak to our hearts when we are intentional to slow down and listen.  Forgive us Father, for the things spoken or acted out in anger, when we should have stayed silent.  Lead us Lord to listen and learn, so that our words will be full of wisdom that lead others to the life everlasting.  Teach us Lord I pray, that we may be Your instruments that sing sweetly of Your insight and instruction, so that others may be inspired to seek You alone.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present