Momentum For Monday, September 20th 2021

“…I would still be worth nothing at all without love.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)

Paul spends the twelfth chapter of 1 Corinthians speaking about spiritual gifts in the body of Christ. He also spends chapter fourteen of that same book addressing/encouraging prophecy and tongues, which is, again, continuing on about gifts. But in between those chapters he breaks up his flow of conversation on gifts to speak on love.

The truth is we all have gifts. You may have not discovered them yet, but God has spiritual gifts for all of His kiddos. That's not the problem though. We have no issue talking about our gifts (which is a topic I personally enjoy immensely). The issue is that we don't want to address our lack of love.

Lack of love in Christianity is becoming more and more of a problem. Granted, we were warned about this in Matthew 24:12, but it does not make it ok just because we knew this problem would come about. May I add that this is not only a problem that I see that disturbs me, but that has impacted my own heart. However, since Paul is addressing love centuries ago, it's probably safe to assume that it was also a problem amongst believers then as well.

Our churches are filled with gifted people. There is no shortage of non-profits that are trying to help people. In fact, some of the most talented people I've seen have some affiliation to Christianity. Yet, there are stories by the plenty of broken churches, denominations, and friendships.

Spiritual gifts were meant to heighten a love for God and others, specifically designed to enhance love for the body of Christ as well as Christ. But the fact of the matter is that you can be of charity, but lack love. Coming in the name of love does not equate pursuing and exhibiting love. A person can do the right thing (a good, spiritual thing) for the wrong reason.

I don't say all this to discourage you, but remind you. Don't be fooled by lesser things. Yes, you are gifted. Yes, you are chosen by God. Yes, you are powerful. But people don't need those things a much as they need your love. May we love as deep and as patiently as God has loved us.

"Above all, constantly echo God’s intense love for one another, for love will be a canopy over a multitude of sins."

(1 Peter 4:8)