December 3, 2024

If only we would love others as Jesus loves us. As a continuation of 1 Corinthians 12, Paul explains that if you had every spiritual gift known to man and didn’t love others, you would be no better than a noise maker. There is also no point in having a spiritual gift if you can’t use it as an extension of your love. We are to have compassion and understanding for people. Life is hard, and nobody needs a religious zealot spewing their gifts while forgetting to love. I know what you’re thinking: people are hard to love; yes, they are, but the only way to bring others to Christ is to show them the love of Jesus through your actions. They must see it and feel his comfort through you in order to believe his love is real. So, before immediately flying off the handle in rage over the mistakes of another person, take a moment and think through the situation and remember that they could be reacting from a place of pain. We don’t know what others have been through or might be going through, which could be causing their negativity. Look at them with compassion rather than anger; remember, you are healed and are heaven-bound, but they are likely hell bound and need Jesus. Don’t sully the image of Christ by a bad reaction. Love others as Christ has loved you. 

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. 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. 1 Corinthians 13:1-2