Sunday Reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Key Verse: 1 Corinthians 13:1
1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I have become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal.
Devotion:
If someone professes to be a Christian and yet does not have love in their hearts for others then I would find it very difficult to believe that they are sincere in their belief. Christ gave us the commandment that we should love our Neighbours as ourselves and to love our enemies; that love being born from within our hearts and not just a saying of matter of fact that that is done. These three verses are quite explicit in reminding us just what is required because without love we can be the best possible person we can be without actually being anything!
If we do not show the love that we preach about then we are in fact hiding behind a bunch of words that has no meaning in our hearts. Our love for others has got to be as sincere as the love that we have for ourselves. It does not matter who says the words of love, unless those words are rooted in a heartfelt love, they are meaningless. If they are offered by the highest principle in the country but do not come from the heart, then they are still just words. The meaning comes from the heart of the giver or speaker.
We can even go as far as we like physically but without that heartfelt love, it is all meaningless. We could sacrifice all manner of animals or mammals in the hopes that that will please God; all to no avail. We could give up all our earthly riches and make sure that we give to the poor and needy, but without heartfelt love behind that gift it is just another hand-out that will join the rest. Having a heart that is willing to cross the road and help the needy is worth much more than a few pounds a month to keep them off the streets. Love comes from the heart, not from the pocket.
Points to Ponder:
What do you do for others?
Has God given you that desire to help?