Thursday, February 14, 2019
1 Corinthians 13: 2 . . . And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains but have not love, I am nothing . . .
SPEAK GOD'S TRUTH IN LOVE
As he goes on talking about Christ-like love (a-gáh-pē), the apostle takes up the subject of prophecy. In the next chapter (14:1) he extols the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is the ability to speak of the love of God for sinners, including of the "mystery" of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As great as that gift is, it is all-important that the preacher do so with divine, Christ-like love.
Over the years, centuries, millennia, there have been some eloquent, knowledgeable preachers of the Bible, as well as some Christians who appear to have a faith that can "move mountains." But if such preachers and believers do not have divine love motivating them, they are worthless--worth nothing. "Ouch!"
Take care, dear Christians. Our world today is a world of words, having a glut of information and communication available to it. When it comes to the area of spirituality or religion, don't be misled or unduly impressed by smooth or fast talk or by the charisma of the speaker. It is crucial to test the spirits whether they are of God so as not to be led astray by good words and fair speeches calculated to deceive (1 John 4:1; Romans 16:17f).
We ourselves have been so blessed with the true Word of God and its comforting teachings. But as we proclaim God's truth we need to hear what Paul here writes: " . . . We should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness by which they lie in wait to deceive, but, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head--Christ" (Ephesians 4:14).
Rather than "talking down" to people, let us speak God's words of truth with divine, Christ-like love and humility.
Lord, let me win my foes With kindly words and actions,
And let me find good friends For counsel and correction.
Help me, as You have taught, To love both great and small
And by Your Spirit's might To live in peace with all.
(Lutheran Service Book, 696:4)
