February 24
Read: 1 Corinthians 13
Even though I speak a hundred languages, and converse with the angels, if I don’t have love, I am no better than a blaring horn or clanging cymbal. And if I have incredible revelation from God, and understand every nuance of Scripture, and can reveal mysteries heretofore unknown from the beginning of the world, without love it is meaningless. And although my faith is sufficient to cause a mountain to jump into the sea, if I don’t love, I am nothing at all. Or if I happen to be a great philanthropist and give all I own to care for the poor, or sacrifice my very life for the sake of others, if I do not love I gain nothing from it.
Love suffers interminable injury and insult, and remains kind. Love doesn’t envy the accomplishments, possessions or gifts of others. Love doesn’t blow its own horn. Love is not proud. Love does not behave unruly or uncaringly. Love is more interested in others than in itself. Love is not easily insulted or offended or angered. Love thinks the best of others. Love bears every burden, is trusting, always hopes for and expects the best, and is patient no matter the circumstances.
Love never fails. Prophecy fails, tongues cease, and knowledge vanishes away. When all is said and done, the best we can know and the best we can preach is still insufficient and imperfect. But one day perfection will come, and all our inadequacies will be past.
When I was a child, I saw and understood things as a child. But as I matured, I began to change my childish opinions. As disciples of Christ, we are similar to children. Our understanding is still cloudy and uncertain. But there is coming a day when I will be all grown up, and then shall I understand and be understood.
In the meantime, and for this time, faith, hope and love are important. But even of these three, love is the most important.
Just a servant,
Bro. Tom
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