Love Above All

1Cor.13
[1] Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
[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, and have not charity, I am nothing.
[3] And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing.
[4] Charity suffers long, and is kind; charity envies not; charity vaunts not itself, is not puffed up,
[5] Does not behave itself unseemly, seeks not her own, is not easily provoked, thinks no evil;
[6] Rejoices not in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth;
[7] Bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
[8] Charity never fails: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
[9] For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
[10] But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.
[11] When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
[12] For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
[13] And now abides faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

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The actions listed in the scriptures above are gifts that are given by the Spirit of God to men for use in advancement of God's kingdom. Some of the actions are those that outwardly display love by helping others in need.

The actions I speak of are these:
speaking with tongues, prophecy, understanding of mysteries (concerning life and God's creation and plan), knowledge, faith, feeding the poor, and even giving your life for the gospel's sake.

Now check that out. I just mentioned some very eye opening information. The things I listed, which come from I Corinthians 13 (listed above), are very important and noble things. Things that please God. BUUUUUUUT the bible says that even if we do those things, and HAVE NOOOOOT LOOOOOVE we are NOTHING and have done NOTHING. That is how important love is. Please hear what the scripture is saying. Those things are to be done as the Spirit of God give the gift to whom ever He pleases. But they are ALL to be done in the spirit of Love.

While man looks on the outside; "Hey, he sure is a good guy. Look he gives his stuff to the poor." God looks on the inside of man. God checks out our heart and motives. God may say, "Yes, he gave his goods to the poor. But he did it so others could think he is a great guy. He did it to be seen of other men. That is not good enough." Are you following what i am saying?

Love, which comes from the inside out, is the chief standard of God. Learn it. Live it....Love

Let's continue this subject in upcoming posts.

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Will you love above all else?