ESOCS Devotional 29 January 2023

ESOCS Devotional 29 January 2023

MEMORY VERSE: “I may have the gift of inspired preaching; I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets; I may have all the faith needed to move mountains – but if I have no love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 GNB

In our text, Saint Paul was emphatic on the all-surpassing quality of love as a Christian virtue. In this context, the expression of unconditional love to one another as members of the same household of faith, and even beyond. More specifically, in verses 1-3, the apostle stressed so much on the overriding importance of love over and above all the miraculous gifts of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, Paul sees the way of love as the only proper and acceptable way for Christians to exercise spiritual gifts, both in ministry and in the secular sphere.

By all standards, Biblical love should have a sacrificial quality. This points to a pouring out of one’s life, in selfless concern for others. Furthermore, Paul himself demonstrated love and selflessness, by showing love to his Corinthian Church members, as a father would love his children (1 Corinthians 4:15). He stressed so much on the need to seek the good of others (1 Corinthians 10:33). In all, Paul advises Christians in general, to “do everything with love” (1 Corinthians 16:14).

In this passage, Paul enumerated and explained fifteen qualities and the nature of love. Without a doubt, these are qualities that should be manifested in the believer’s relationship with his fellow men. They include long-suffering, kindness, not envious, not exalt itself, not puffed up, not behaving improperly, not seeking its own, not easily provoked, not plot evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, and endures all things.

It follows therefore that, as believers, love must be at the centre of our behaviour and in all we do. Gifts of working wonders will pass away, hence love surpasses them all. Love never fails. God is love Himself, hence He showers His blessings on the good, the bad and the ugly (Matthew 5:45). Jesus declared love as the greatest commandment (Matthew 5:37-40). He also teaches that we should love even our enemies (Matthew 43-46). So, let’s learn anew to love, so we shall also experience the Father’s love in great measure.