God Today
Devotions
October 15, 2003
If I speak in the
tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding
gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom
all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move
mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to
the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain
nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not
boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is
not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight
in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts,
always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Division among the saints is not pleasing to God, nor does it
honor Him in any way. We need to overcome our need to be right all the
time. Too often, when others don’t see things the same as we may, or
don’t measure up to our expectations or standards, we quickly pass
judgment and dismiss them. When we reach the point where we are hurting
members of the body of Christ and destroying future members of the body,
it is no longer a matter of how right we are, even if we are, because we
are not acting out of love. We are no longer encouraging and building
up, but destroying and tearing down. We don’t have the right to destroy
what God is doing in the hearts of others, for the sake of our opinion.
Our reckless and thoughtless words can damage hearts. We will all stand
before God and give an account for our own actions, based on the truth
we have received. God commanded us to love one another, as He has loved
us; period; no excuses. Love must rule at all times and in every
situation in our lives. Love never fails! We can desire to do great
things for God, but the first thing we must learn, is to love. If we
can’t love, are we able to accomplish anything for the Kingdom of God?
Prayer
Forgive us Father, for the times we have felt the need to be right, at
the expense of hurting others, and even causing them to stumble, or turn
away from Your truth and love. Give us the wisdom to refrain from
lashing out at others, because they don’t see from the same perspective,
and to encourage, protect, and uplift others in Your word. Remind us we
are not the judge of anyone, but we will stand before You one day and
give account for all that we say and do. Live in us today, and let the
light of Your love reflect in our lives. Amen.
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