A Lasting Promise

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. | 1 Corinthians 13:1-3

I have a constant monologue running in my mind telling me what I should and shouldn’t do, but here’s the deal: Jesus didn’t promise us a life of shoulds; He promised freedom. Jesus ushered in a new covenant, replacing law with love. That’s why the Apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 13 that love is the only cure for legalism.

I could use the most eloquent words and speak with the power of kings, but if I don’t love others, I would only be making pointless noise. If I had the depths of unmatched knowledge and understanding, and if I had faith to move the mightiest mountain but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I poured out my resources and time and talents, I could surely brag about my service; but if I didn’t love others, it would all have been for nothing.

I want my life to count for something. God says our greatest impact on the world will come through the way we love. Consistent, life-giving love is what Jesus modeled for us, after all. What is the motivation behind your actions: law or love? How can you walk in love today?