Daily Devotional – Wednesday, February 15, 2023
And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV)
Any discussion about God, Christ and Christianity that does not revolve around love is null and void. At the core of the Christian message is agape – God’s unconditional love. Does the contemporary church and Christian exemplify this love?
A Dearth of Love
One of the obsessions of modern Christianity is construction of large and beautiful structures for worship. However, some religious organizations invest billions of dollars in physical structures while neglecting need people in their communities. This is a betrayal of God’s love.
A church purchases the most modern electronic equipment for congregational worship and evangelism. Sermons, Bible studies and worship songs reach thousands of people outside the church building. Unfortunately, there is no love among the believers. This is an exercise in futility.
Vanity in Loveless Service
The preacher takes to the pulpit. He delivers a powerful message. His deep and melodious voice pulls people to the pulpit. Many converts join the church and get baptized. Nevertheless, the preacher harbours ill will and hatred towards some in and outside his congregation. This, too, is vanity.
The church choir has gained fame. Other believers and the community members praise the singers for spreading the gospel using melodious voices. Invitation to minister near and far keep coming. The choir grows bigger and richer. Nonetheless, its members harbor grudges and genuine love is absent. In God’s estimation, this choir has failed the divine test of love.
Love Defines Motives and Actions
Sister X is renowned for her generosity. She attends every fundraiser and gives generously. Every time there is a needy person, X is the first to assist. Unknown to many, though, her desire is to be seen and praised. While many have benefitted from her benevolence, her lack of love invalidates her actions before God.
Why is this so? According to Apostle Paul in First Corinthians 13, love is the underlying principle of the kingdom of God. Divine love must motivate every thought and action. Jesus Himself came to die for humanity out of God’s unconditional love (John 3:16). Further, true believers are controlled by Christ’s love (2 Corinthians 5:14).
The Greatest of These is Love
In concluding arguably the greatest chapter on love in the Bible, Paul states, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). Let your heart yearn for the pure love that only God can give you. Endeavour to be motivated primarily by God’s love in everything you think, say or do.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, flood and saturate me with Your love. Teach me how to extend this love to my fellow human beings.
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