If I Have Not 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.

 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. 1 Corinthian 13:1-3

What is my true desire? What is my real calling in life? What is the *thing* that gives evidence of the Lord working in my life? What matters most to God?

 
A level of spirituality that enables me to speak in an unknown manner, somehow drawing me closer to God and elevating me above others?

Abundant knowledge of scriptures and the ability to tell forth their truths?

Inpenetrable faith that overpowers any obstacle?

Generosity that saves my fellow man?

Perseverance in the midst of desparate persecution?

Holding fast, even to the point of death?

No.  If I strive for these, I Have Nothing.

Love. Charity. Brotherly Love. Affection. Good Will. Benevolence.  Agape Love. 

This is what should define my life.

Yet, when I think of love, I do not think rightly. I have grown up in a culture that taught me that love is self-driven and self-rewarding. I have been taught that love is determined by how I feel, not what I do. I have been taught that love can change, it can grow or fade and either is perfectly acceptable.

This is not the love that the Lord has for me. This is not the love that the Lord has equipped me to live out as I follow Him.  His definition of love exceeds these human attempts of self-preservation and self-exaltation.

This is the Love that Christ calls me to. This is True Love:

Love suffers long and is kind;

Love does not envy;

Love does not parade itself, is not puffed up;

Love does not behave rudely,

Love does not seek its own,

Love is not provoked,

Love thinks no evil;

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but

Love rejoices in the truth;

Love bears all things,

Love believes all things,

Love hopes all things,

Love endures all things.

Matthew 5:43-44

Ye have heard that it hath been said , Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;

John 14:15

If ye love me, keep my commandments.

John 14:23

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.

Ephesians 4:1-3

I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called , With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.