The gift of love ...

15Mar
Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it. And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers; then deeds of power, then gifts of healing, forms of assistance, forms of leadership, various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? But strive for the greater gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.

If I speak in the tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
-1 Corinthians 12:27-13:3

It is not said often enough how important love is in one's life. We all need to love and be loved. There is a special kind of love us Christians must have towards the world around us, no matter what we face. I recently read a biography that described a meeting between two Christian leaders of the same sect and another man from a different sect of our faith. The leaders spent the meeting criticizing and ridiculing the ways and beliefs of the different man. The man tried to explain to the leaders what they all had in common as Christians, but it did not stick and the meeting ended. A week later, both leaders received beautiful wooden chairs from the man. Each chair was adorned with a small plaque that read: "There is always a seat for you at my table."

What is leadership without love, understanding, and tolerance? Nothing.

Musical Reflection - Peace, Love and Understanding - Elvis Costello

Gracious God, you are the author of Love. Help us to offer ourselves in love today. Amen.

New TestamentLent

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