Wednesday, February 13, 2019
1 Corinthians 12:31, 31:1 But earnestly desire the best gifts. And yet I show you a more excellent way. Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become as sounding brass or a clanging cymbal . . .
TEACH ME, LORD, TO LOVE
Parts of the Bible chapter on "divine love" (1 Corinthians 13) are often found standing alone in books or on greetings cards. But that's not the way to get the most out of your Bible. Note the context.
In the previous chapter the apostle Paul had written about spiritual gifts within the Body of Christ, the Church. He taught that just as each part of the body has its specific role or function, so all Christians as members of Christ's Body have certain Spirit-given gifts to be used for the good of the Church.
But a bad habit had surfaced in the church in Corinth. Some Christians had begun bragging about and exalting themselves because of their particular talents or gifts. That's sad. A gift is a gift, right? So what’s to brag about? It's not earned or merited but is simply given.
Let the Christian use his or her gift(s) for the good of the church, using them with the motivation of divine love (Greek: a-gah-pé). Not everyone can be a prophet, a teacher, a musician, a smooth or eloquent speaker. Realizing that, if one or more of these is your gift(s), realize as well that without love the its use comes across as "sounding brass or a clanging symbol."
Gifted Christian, beware of emitting dissident sounds with your gift(s). Think of the humility of the Savior in His earthly ministry. Let such humility be your guide as you in love use your gifts or talents in His service.
Thee will I love, my Life, my Savior, Who art my best and truest friend;
Thee will I love and praise forever, For never shall Thy kindness end;
Thee will I love with all my heart, Thou my Redeemer art.
Oh, teach me, Lord, to love Thee truly With soul and body, head and heart,
And grant me grace that I may duly Practice fore'er love's sacred art.
Grant that my every thought may be Directed e'er to Thee.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 399:2, 5)
