OPERATING IN HIS LOVE

1 Corinthians 13

"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 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 do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing." (verses 1-3)

The effort or energy that we bring to all situations has to be motivated by compassion if life is to be meaningful. Not only is the lesson - what wolf do you feed within yourself, but does that wolf contribute to The Pack and beyond? What source do you operate from - Love, Hate or Indifference. Jesus does not like the middle-ground. Jesus said to the believers in Laodicea and those whom would take on lukewarmness, "I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth." (Revelation 3:15-16)

This first section of 1 Corinthians 13 is saying - How I "speak", how I "prophesy", how I "give", and how I "display my faith" is vitally important. For the attitude and the heart of the effort COMES WITH the words or things being submitted. Recipients are sensitive to the How It Is Delivered. So, all of us should be sensitive and considerate when displaying our skills, talents and helps toward others.

In addition, the Blesser, with the appropriate mindset and attitude, receives a blessing. Love is a two-way street. In Loving someone, chances are great that Love will be returned - if not by that person, then through another. Loving someone in anyway, even unconditionally, is its own reward. However, we must sincerely plant or display the seed of love.  

How do we do this? The next part of 1 Corinthians 13 tells us.

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (verses 4-8)

Therefore, we must show patience, kindness, rid ourselves of envy, of boasting and show humility. We must drop slandering, seek out others, watch our temper and forgive as you have been forgiven. We must not indulge in sinful or rebellious behavior but get and keep excited about God's Truth. We must Always play the role of Protector, Truster of/in God, Creator of Hope and one who continually Endures.

When we look at the three words - "Love never fails." - we may get a little intimidated. I know, I could never love perfectly enough all the time that my love would never fail. This is why it is so important to consider - What source do you operate from? If you and I operate from God's unlimited and perfect-for-every-situation storehouse of love, then we have no worries. If we feed ourselves and operate only from our own reservoir of love, we empty fast and the love may not last because we do not have the best love displayed - Christ's Love. It is all a matter of Operating In His Love.