The Word - Feb. 16, 2012 - THE SUPERIORITY OF LOVE

"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 understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I possessed faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing"

(1 Corinthians 13:1-2).

In the work of evangelism, the sweet sound of the Gospel loses its harmony and song when love is lacking. Love is greater than eloquence (vs. 1). In the area of teaching, gift is without value if it fails to be exercised in love (vs.2). Divine love in operation is greater than the gift of prophecy or the understanding of mysteries; greater than knowledge and even greater than faith.

In being part of all pastoral duties or shepherd care, even the most self-denying service is of no profit if love is missing (vs.3). Love is greater than charity and greater than sacrifice.


Of what worth are the most eloquent, flowery sermons, the greatest achievements in gift or talent, or the most self-denying efforts in the service of God, if love is lacking? Then the Spirit that gives value to all ministry is missing, leaving us with either a formality that is dead or an emotionalism that is without power, even though it may be correct.

The love of Christ must be the motivating power in our lives, controlling the heart, the mind and the will, to give effectiveness to any and all service for the Lord.

Ah yes! We are without excuse, because, "We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. And this is His commandment: We must believe in the name of God's Son, Jesus Christ; and love one another, just as He commanded us" (1John 3:16,23).