Join us as we focus each day for nine weeks on a different part of 1 Corinthians 13.
Tuesday: It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
Read: 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Listen: 1 Corinthians 13
TODAY’S MESSAGE
There were very few things lacking in the Jesus-community in Corinth. They apparently had excellent speakers who could preach the Word of God, teachers who could unravel difficult-to-understand Scriptures, and many others who were highly educated. Some were known for their faith that could (seemingly) do the impossible. They lacked just one thing—love. And it was the most important thing. Even though they thought they had everything, they really had nothing without love.
Hearing these words must have set the Corinthians back. Corinth was a city of status, and the Jesus-followers wanted to “play the part.” Allowing themselves to be pulled into that culture, they looked spiritual on the outside but were self-serving on the inside. Their extreme acts of service appeared to be self-emptying but were really self-serving. They did some amazing things, but none of it was from a heart of love.
Like the Corinthians, we also do some amazing things. We donate money to a university, join our co-workers to help clean-up a highway or serve on the student council. But if we do it just to get our name on a building, to post a cool thing on social media or to enhance a college application—we’ve missed it. As Pastor Jeff Manion tells us in this video clip below, without love, we’re just making noise.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Focus on your motivation for leading, serving and helping others. Are you just “making noise” because love is absent from most of what you do? If you are, confess this to your Heavenly Father and receive his forgiveness as you move forward. Don’t forget to check your bookmark and card today as you remember that love “does not envy, does not boast and is not proud.” Trust the Spirit to give you what you need as you live out these characteristics of love today.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
