If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
These are familiar words and because of this, we can hurry by them without hearing what is said. Paul tell us it doesn't matter how knowledgeable, talented and generous you are . . . if you do not love other people, it is worthless. People are won to Christ by seeing the love of Christ in His people.
The power of the early church was the love they had for each other. It wasn't a cliquey kind of love, it was a love that opened its arms to everyone in very tangible ways.
How are you doing in this area? How do you respond to people who are different from you? How do you respond to those who have hurt you? How do you respond to fellow church members who disagree with you? These are the real tests of love.
If we ever want to see the church influence our culture again, we must stop being angry and start loving with the heart of Jesus.
The key Ingredient 2.20.21
If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).
These are familiar words and because of this, we can hurry by them without hearing what is said. Paul tell us it doesn't matter how knowledgeable, talented and generous you are . . . if you do not love other people, it is worthless. People are won to Christ by seeing the love of Christ in His people.
The power of the early church was the love they had for each other. It wasn't a cliquey kind of love, it was a love that opened its arms to everyone in very tangible ways.
How are you doing in this area? How do you respond to people who are different from you? How do you respond to those who have hurt you? How do you respond to fellow church members who disagree with you? These are the real tests of love.
If we ever want to see the church influence our culture again, we must stop being angry and start loving with the heart of Jesus.