Scripture to Read: 1 Corinthians 13:2
God had Paul write this in 1 Corinthians 13:2: “If I have the gift of prophecy, and know all mysteries and all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.” To have the gift of prophecy means to have the ability to publicly communicate God’s Word in an inspired way where God uses them to convict unbelievers and both challenge and comfort believers with the ability to persuasively declare God’s Word. But if what is being preached is not preached in love, then the preacher is nothing. God also had Paul write about having the gift of knowledge, which is the ability to distinguish between the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error. Then, God had Paul mention having all faith, though every Christian has faith, as God tells us in Romans 12:3, He “has allotted to each a measure of faith.” Still, some have a faith that enables them to trust God for what cannot be seen and to act on God’s promise regardless of what the circumstances indicate. It’s the willingness to risk failure in pursuit of a God-given vision, trusting that God will handle the obstacles. But again, even with that much faith, if it is not accompanied by God’s love then the faithful person amounts to nothing. Actions and words that are not covered with God’s love become meaningless. God’s love makes the difference, for it motivates us to use our gifts to serve others in the same way Christ served while He was here.
Challenge & Application
Why does God’s love change our actions and words to be more than just actions and words?
How are you making sure your actions and words are filled with God’s love for the ones you’re ministering to?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!