July 23-25, 2010
1 Corinthians 13
Pastor Michelle Hoverson
Perhaps the first love poem that we all learned as children was, “Roses are red, violets are blue, sugar is sweet and so are you!” Since this is still the only love poem that I can quote, thank goodness for Hallmark!
When it comes to describing real love, I believe that the Holy Spirit captured more in 1 Corinthians 13 than all of the Valentine’s Day cards could ever express.
Christian love is void of self-interest. We love others as God has shown His love for us. As a child of God, His love is supposed to flow out of us and be evident in everything that we do. If our service is void of love, we are reminded in these verses that our work for God is void of meaning.
If we amaze our peers with exceptional language, but don’t love, it is meaningless. If we have and exercise powerful spiritual gifts, understand the deep principles of Scripture, can speak words of faith and pray powerful prayers of faith, but don’t love others...our ministry efforts are meaningless. If we give all of our possessions to the poor, support ministries sacrificially and even give our lives for the sake of the Gospel, but have not loved…what we have done is meaningless.
No matter how much we know, how much great wisdom we speak or incredible insights of the Bible that we share with others - we might as well be honking a horn in bumper-to-bumper traffic unless we do it with love.
However, when whatever we do flows from love, it is of precious, long-lasting value.
As you go through your day, I encourage you to put the filter of love to work. Ask yourself, “Am I doing this without regard to self-interest, and with love?”
Approaching her 10th year in ministry at Grace Covenant Church, Michelle Hoverson manages care and reach teams, oversees “Global” (missions) and “Community” (local) outreach ministries and serves on the weekend and midweek teaching teams.
