JULY 22 READING…1 CORINTHIANS 13
In our day and time when everything seems to be based solely on how people “feel”, we need to be reminded that biblical love is not about feelings. To be sure, love touches our emotions, but love is not a feeling…biblical love is always based in action. The word commitment could certainly be used here, but not commitment alone…it’s commitment that is always tied to giving, and placing others before self. Religion without love always turns into uncaring manipulation to get people to do what someone wants them to do. Love without commitment is empty sentimentalism, that turns into permissiveness, which eventually brings destruction. We are told by Paul that it is not our ability to speak or be spiritual that is of the most importance…but that we love. He is not saying that the other things are unimportant…but love must be there or those things are nothing, and they will amount to nothing. Even the act of giving to the poor, or sacrificing self, apart from biblical love, gains us nothing. Love is not a nebulous feeling…love has clearly defined parameters. Love is longsuffering and kind…it is never self-serving or boastful. Love acts properly instead of rudely…and it never rejoices or accepts sinfulness. Love is meant to last a lifetime and beyond…while is sustains us, guides us into truth, and rejoices in truth. As we walk in this world God has given us three wonderful gifts that we need for our journey. These are faith, hope, and love…Paul reminds us that the primary gift is love. Now, let’s spend our day walking in biblical love.
Please share your thoughts.
TOMORROW’S READING…1 CORINTHIANS 14
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