WITHOUT LOVE WE ARE NOTHING

“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

            The word ‘nothing’ can mean “Something (or someone) that has no quantitative value.” Something (or someone) that is  “insignificant or worthless”.  That is quite an indicting statement.  We know from scripture that each of us is of great value to the Lord, so Paul’s statement really jumps out at the reader. 

            Love is defined in the verses following (vv.4-7) those shown above.  True love is paramount as the motivating factor in the life of a Christian.  Without it we are nothing at all.  Our words are insignificant and meaningless and our actions have no value.  Oh, they may be hailed as great accomplishments by this world, but we are not from this world.  We are just passing thru here.  Our ticket has already been punched and we are heaven bound.  If that be the case then why do we hesitate to do that which we know in our heart we need to do? Why do we chase empty endeavors for temporal rewards?  Has God’s mercy and grace not revealed to us the true nature of love? 

            It’s not too late to change our ways.  It’s not too late until God stops the clock of time and life as we know it shall end.  We must make a re-assessment of our walk with Christ, especially during this Lenten season, when we are meant to take a hard, introspective look into our heart’s motivation. We must lay ourselves down on the altar and allow the Holy Spirit to dissect us as only He can.  We can become more of what God intends us to be if we will simply submit to His will.  Now is as good a time as any.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing!

NOTE: The dictionary used is the American Heritage Dictionary of the English language.  The translation used is the NEW LIVING TRANSLATION published by Tyndale House.