Highlights In Today's Reading:
The Lord's Table is of utmost importance (10:16-21; 11:20-34). Spiritual gifts and true ministry, all used in love (12:1-31; see vss 12:18,31). Don't miss the "Love" chapter (13:1-13).
We need to look at our daily lives, dear Christians — are they full of thoughtless expression? Do sharp words escape our lips as we confront others? Think of how many we meet each day — is there an outflow of Christ's lovingkindness toward even those who are rude? The person with an unbroken, uncrucified life may try to keep a civil tongue, and when he is on guard, he may have a measure of success. Let no man seek his own (advantage), but every man another's wealth (best interest) (10:24). Sharing the love of God with others is the most natural thing in the world to do when one's life is filled to overflowing with Christ and His love. Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (10:31).
God is able, in His mighty power, to come into the heart of His child and to impart His love and His Spirit. God is able to open a fountain of love so that in all one's day-to-day activities it shall be His love, His life, flowing outward unceasingly. Do you not feel that in your own home, in your own circle of friends, and in your church lovingkindness is the one thing that will help above all else — that will heal any bitterness, strife, or divisions?
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity (love), I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity (love), I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity (love), it profiteth me nothing (13:1-3). Charity (Love) suffereth long (is patient), and is kind (gracious) . . . envieth not (jealous) . . . vaunteth not itself (boastful), is not puffed up (conceited), Doth not behave itself unseemly (rude), seeketh not her own (selfish), is not easily provoked (to take offense), thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in inquity (is not happy over someone's exposed sin), but rejoiceth in the truth (delights to see God's Word magnified) (I Corinthians 13:4-6).
Let us, then, ask God for grace to express His love more than we have ever done before and live to please Him. God is love (I John 4:8). It does not say, God has love, but God is love, and the love that we need is the indwelling God Himself flowing through us and blessing everyone we meet throughout the day. He that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him (4:16).
Thought for Today:
The truth spoken without love can be a bitter pill, but spoken in love it becomes healing to the body (see Ephesians 4:16).
Word Studies:
10:24 another's wealth =b> the well-being of others; 10:25 shambles =b> meat market; 11:11 man without the woman =b> independent of; woman is essential to man; 11:13 comely =b> proper; 12:2 dumb =b> mute; 12:11 severally =b> individually; 12:24 tempered =b> united, assembled, combined; 12:25 schism =ivision; 13:1 charity =b> love; 13:12 now we see through a glass, darkly =b> all we are capable of knowing now is partial and incomplete.
Cross References:
For I Corinthians 10:7: See Exodus 32:6. I Corinthians 10:26: See Psalm 24:1.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Radio Sri Lanka International Shortwave Broadcasts sponsored by Ruth J. Ness • Staff: Al Joslyn • Government Officials: Rep. Steve Buyer (IN) and Rep. Shelley Capito (WV) • Country: Pakistan (146.5 million) in southern Asia • Major languages: Urdu and English • There is no freedom to convert Muslims to Christ. Pakistan is an Islamic republic • 73% Sunni Muslim; 20% Shi'a Muslim; 3% Ahmadiya; 2% Christian; 1% Hindu; .1% Other (Baha'i, Animist, Farsi, Buddhist) • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for courage to praise the Lord before unbelievers (Psa. 96:3-5).
Memory Verse for the Week: Romans 8:28