MORNING MANNA 6-11-21
LOVE
“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 Cor. 13:1-2
We tend to speak much about our needs and the things we lack, but somehow we neglect the most important things, such as love. So here’s a question, “Could we have a problem with a lack of love?” Of course we “could”, so a better question is “Do we have a problem with a lack of love?” Before you answer, let me say, if we lack love we do indeed have a problem – a very serious problem, not a matter of secondary importance. So I’ll repeat the question, “Do we have a problem with a lack of love?” Looking at society, any honest person would have to answer “Yes”. In this dog eat dog world we see evidence of that everywhere.
But let’s make it personal – “Do you have a problem with a lack of love?” That’s a question that needs to be answered because we are accountable to God, and failing miserably if love is lacking. But to answer it correctly requires an examination. Simply saying you love someone doesn’t mean you do. Nearly every woman has had a man whisper “I love you”, but it is often the case that the same man will disrespect her, cheat on her, or abuse her. It’s also a fact that many talk about loving God but refuse to obey Him. Something is missing. Truth is, no amount of words weigh enough to spell true love. True love can only be determined by your attitude and actions measuring up to the proper standard, which is God’s Word. And I know of no better place to see the attitude and actions of love than 1 Cor. 13. Consider what God says about love (charity) in these verses:
“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 profiteth me nothing. Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Charity never faileth:…”- 1Cor. 13:3-8
Now examine yourself in the light of that and ask yourself again, “Do I lack love?” If the answer is “Yes”, you have a serious problem that leads to problems everywhere else in your life. To put it another way, as Paul said of the guilty “I am nothing” (vs. 2). Think about it! – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
