NOTHING WITHOUT LOVE
February 2, 2018
Prayer: Lord, may we always show love.
Scripture: If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 NIV
I know it seems cliché to use, “The love chapter” in February, you will probably here it a hundred times this month, but how could I resist? I keep this verse on the doorframe of my prayer closet. These are not just a February verses, they are THE way to live your life verses. It is the perfect reminder to me every day that no book, speech, opportunity, accomplishment, relationship, or knowledge is worth anything if it is not surrounded and sustained by love. It is also a stunning reminder that all the things we spend most of our time on will pass away but love remains. The knowledge that you share with your students will ultimately pass away, hopefully not before they start their homework. We pray it will be practiced and applied all of their days, but ultimately, the love you show them is the only thing that will carry through to eternity.
Love is tricky because we may think we are showing love by extending mercy and not keeping a record of wrong, but if it is not coupled with truth where is the love? I heard Jimmy Evans say, “Truth without mercy is mean, but mercy without truth is meaningless.” What does that mean to you? The culture is trying to teach us that tolerance is love? Is it? Are we loving people to hell? Please do not get off subject by debating issues, Satan would be delighted to disrupt a conversation about love and turn it into an argument. But we know, and probably have experienced, the conundrum of, “How do I love the person and hate the sin?” I believe these verses help us to walk that slippery slope; love is patient, kind, not rude or holier-than thou, it is not angry but must speak Truth with from the heart filled with mercy. Love prays, perseveres, never provokes or publicizes but rather, love protects. Remember, when love is at the core, the sinner will listen more.
How can love change a conversation? How can love change a person? Remember, an educator can change the world! How important is it then, for us to focus on love? Without it, Scripture says we are nothing and gain nothing.
Copyright Kathy Branzell. Email [email protected]
Beautifully written, Kathy! Warmed my heart and focused my mind on what Jesus’ message is truly about. Thanks for not avoiding the “Love chapter”” in February. It is at this time we need to be reminded what love is meant to be, by understanding that one true perfect gift of love more deeply. I pray that your day is blessed with many demonstrations of His love for you.
I come to this site every morning before I face my students. I always come away with something I can use. This morning I particularly enjoyed, “When love is at the core, the sinner will listen more.” When my normally well-behaved students are have trouble with time-management and focusing, I often stop to see if it is me that is different and maybe I need more love and less disciplinary consequences at this point. I am praying for wisdom.