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Love In Line With Action
John Tilton1 Corinthians 13:1-3
If I speak in the tongues[a]of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2If I have the gift of prophecyand can fathom all mysteriesand all knowledge,and if I have a faiththat can move mountains,but do not have love, I am nothing.3If I give all I possess to the poorand give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b]but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Paul reminds me of a character attribute that is so important in exampling and living a life in Christ, that being to love our fellow brothers and sisters, believers and non-believers. It is so true that one can be the greatest of orators or preachers, a prophet and many acts of kindness and miracles. Furthermore, one can bless others with resources and provision, or even give of one’s time and sacrifice. Yet, if one does not love from within, from the heart, and therefore walk one’s love out in action, nothing is gained in the ways of the Lord Jesus Christ. So would one’s lack of true love negate all the good that one would do? Yes, according to the scriptures because actions and words become an endeavor of seeking something in return including accolades; whereby acting in and with love is based on seeking nothing in return. Thereby, acting out of love first is loving as Christ did.
Yet, how do I apply this to my life? Simple … although I mean well, I at times can say and do many things that I know are expected of me, and can do things that I intently want to bless people and be for their benefit. Yet, are there times where I am doing it because it is an expectation of me, or that it will be a feather in my cap lifting me to accomplishment and recognition? Do I sometimes do good in one moment, but act with malice the next in thoughts, words and actions because I feel that I’ve been offended or heard someone else’s offense? Thus, can I be like a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, where I’m one way exuding all of my Christ-like attributes, then thinking, feeling and acting out in negative and malicious ways the next? Even when it means joining in on conversation that are not edifying to and about others, or holding back on blessings to others because of hurt or offense, actual or perceived? It seems that my propensity to not act in love sometimes comes from being the judge of others or making judgement on others. These scriptures are a great reminder to me to walk my faith, talk and who I know I should be in Christ … truthfully loving unconditionally, real and authentic.
Dear Lord, thank you for getting my attention on how to walk in your will and way, doing and becoming all that you call me to be and do … yet, walking and living in love since you loved us unconditionally. May you guide me to connect my heart to my thoughts and actions, and may my heart be heart after Christ … a heart that has been nurtured by Christ.
