Though I speak with the
tongues of men and of angels,
but have not love, I have
become sounding brass or a
clanging cymbal.
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, but have
not love, I am nothing.
1Corinthians 13:1-2
The love that is spoken by Paul is not some form of philanthropy, any can show philanthropy, sinners do it all the time, pagans are famous for their show of love, even throughout the ages. This is not the love we are speaking of here, it not some form of love that encompasses all things, excepts all things, does all things for people, causes people to go on missionary trips, for if it is not the love that Paul speaks of then it is some other form of love. The word in Greek used here by Paul is agape, that is a principled love, a love that is of God and not of man, not some wishy-washy love, rather a true love of God for others, even for this earth. Furthermore, those who wish to use verse one of the above Scripture to prove that Paul spoke in tongues, that is use this as a proof verse, should do more study, for this is not what the Greek words say. In English we use the word "though" here but the Greek word is "ean" meaning "if" that is, "if" I do, or "if" I don't, but it is clear that if Paul was using some gibberish form of language it is nothing more than the "sounding of brass, a "clanging cymbal," that is it is not to be understood by anyone. You can say that you have a special gift, i.e., prophecy, knowledge, even to have faith that could remove mountains, it is nothing if not of true Authentic Biblical Faith, that is; Biblical love.
Growing in grace is exercised in an increase in charity, that is; love, each and every year it is growing. This may drive us to to things for those in such as Rescue Missions, or evangelize, or even to go on missionary trips, but if not shown to your brothers and sisters within your Church, then you are doing it for other reasons than what is true of Authentic Biblical Christians. You start at home, your home, and extend to the Church, then spread out to the world. Yet, many would rather have the thrill of "doing" something for Christ. Well, that is good! But it is not true faith in its sense of growing Christians, for if we do not start with our families and then spread out, then it could be that our efforts are to please us than to please God. Paul writes: "And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing" (1Corinthians 13:3). Are you caring for the needs of your family? If so; good! Are you caring for the needs in your Church? If so; good! If not get started!! Do you know of any needs in your Church, families that are struggling, having problems meeting their bills, possibly due to the current economic problem? Are you helping them? Or are you sitting back in your will established home, putting money away in savings and 401k's, which is good, if you are taking care of the poor. Do you thing that you are going to live forever on this earth? Or are you doing heavenly things now, acting according to your faith, that God is love, and you are love, if you are then act like it. One thing that I have noticed and speak often of is the way people act at the end of worship service. Yes, I do speak of the lack of respect in dress, men in attire that is good for the beach, women in low cut dresses, revealing much too much, and then crying out when it is addressed. How is that from either showing love, concern for the brothers and sisters? What is so prevalent in the Churches is the "mad" rush for the door at the end of the service, as though there are more important things to do than to share time with those who will be with you in heaven for an eternity. What are you doing? Are you just waiting for that time? I Hope Not!
Our love will be shown actively in our growth in disposition to do kindness, to take trouble for others, to be good-natured, to be generous, sympathizing, thoughtful, tender-hearted, and considerate. This growth is marked by our disposition becoming meek and patient towards all men, to put up with provocation, and not to stand upon rights, to bear and forbear much rather than quarrel. A Christian that is not cultural, or liberal, will try to put the best construction on other people's conduct. This we do when we allow "agape" love to rule our lives and not some philanthropy that is good, but not necessarily of God. How do we know we are growing in grace? Look inside yourself and see if charity is growing, showing itself towards all those we come into contact with, especially those of the brotherhood.
And now abide faith,
hope, love, these
three; but the greatest
of these is love.
1Corinthians 13:13
Who Can You Help Today?
Richard L. Crumb
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