Monday, September 10, 2007
1 Corinthians 13:2 [If I] have not love, I am nothing.
LOVE IS INDISPENSABLE
The worship situation in Corinth had deteriorated. A congregation awash in the special gifts of the Spirit had apparently lost the focus of their love feasts (agape). Instead of edification and praise there was confusion and noise. Some were eating supper at the same time others were celebrating Holy Communion. Tongues went uninterpreted and interrupted prophecy.
In his letter to this beloved congregation the apostle Paul first of all reminded them of the unity of the body of Christ. There are no dispensable people in a Christian congregation. He explains that the many gifts of the Spirit serve the entire body. That's all in chapter 12.
Beginning with chapter 13 Paul writes that he's going to show them a "more excellent way" -- a way that mirrors God's own concern for mankind. It is the very special love of regarding the apparently -- and deservedly -- hopeless situation of our sins, and by an act of will rescuing mankind through the atoning death of His Son Jesus Christ. This is God's own gift to us to repair our relationship with Him through faith. It is a gift which expands and overflows into all our interpersonal relationships whether in the congregation, family, or at work or play.
Great preaching without love is noise. Great learning without love is a "black hole." Extraordinary sacrifice without love is a loser. Without love there is no Savior, no faith, no spiritual life, no salvation, and no model of self-sacrifice for our relationships with one another. Love is indispensable. We can't get along without it!
Though I am the best silver-tongued orator or the most eloquent of Sunday School teachers or congregational administrators, if I have not love, I just as well bang pots and pans together. Though I have extraordinary gifts in music and art, and though I know my specialty and men from all over admire my expertise, if I have not love, I am nothing. If I am the best father or mother, sacrificing personal desires for my children, but do not have love, it profits me nothing . . .
