Love

DateLine (7/19/06 – Greenville, SC)
Guest Contributor for Reference Point – Libby Darnell

Love grows out of a sincere and fervent devotion to God. Without it, the rest of the glorious fruit of the Spirit is nothing, and of no meaning to us. It is the charitable heart, not the eloquent tongue that is acceptable to God. It’s not great knowledge that God sets value on, but true devotion and love.

The most wonder-working faith, to which nothing is impossible, is nothing without love. Even if we sacrifice our lives for the faith of the gospel, and be burnt in the preservation of its truth, it is all to no avail unless we have love in our heart. Vindicating religion at the cost of our life profits nothing.

Love, is the first fruit of the Spirit. Chapter 12 of I Corinthians lists the gifts of the Spirit. When we get to heaven all these gifts will no longer be necessary or required. Prophecy must fail and will be useless in heaven. Tongues will be unnecessary as there will be one language. No confusion, perfect peace and tranquility will prevail. In other words, the supernatural gifts will be of no use in heaven.

Love is long suffering and can endure evil, injury, provocation without resentment or revenge. It will put up with slights and neglects from those we love and admire. Love is kind and courteous. It has a large, giving heart and is ready to do good to everyone, and wants to be useful. It searches for opportunities to serve.

Love does not envy and is not jealous of the good of others. If we love our neighbors, we will not envy or be displeased with their possessions or welfare. Their happiness and success will add to ours. Envy is the effect of ill-will. The prosperity of those we wish well can never grieve us. The mind that is purposed to do good to all, can never wish ill to any.

Love subdues pride and vainglory. It is not concerned with self, and does not gloat when recognized. It is not arrogant or insolent. It does not despise others or trample on them or treat them with contempt. Genuine love esteems others over themselves. Love is not forward or stubborn, cross or contradictory. Some misinterpret a person with a loving spirit as flattery. Love hates falsehood, gossip, and flattery.

Love is careful not to pass the bounds of decency. It does nothing out of character and behaves with respect toward everyone. Love does not break ranks, but acts decently, minding its own business.

Love is the enemy of selfishness and doesn't seek its own praise, honor, profit or pleasure. There’s a reasonable love of self, as Jesus said, "We are to love our neighbor as our self." But charity never seeks its own way to the hurt and pain of others. Love tempers and restrains passions. It corrects a sharp tongue. Anger cannot dwell in the heart where love reigns. It is hard to stay angry with someone we love.

Love thinks no evil and does not seek retribution. It does not suspect evil of others. Love will hide faults and will never indulge suspicion or keep score. Love takes no pleasure in doing hurt to anyone and doesn't wish evil, harm or mischief. It does not rejoice at the faults or failings of others, but grieves at sin and doesn't judge anyone.

Love will cover a multitude of sins. It will not publish the faults of a brother until duty demands it. It puts up with personal injuries without indulging in anger or revenge. Love endures curses, slanders, prison, exile, torments and even death for the sake of others, without striking back.

Love is full of openness, honesty and truthfulness, quick to make the best of everything. And when love cannot believe well of others, it will hope well. Love never fails. It is permanent and perpetual grace lasting throughout eternity.

Love keeps no record or wrongs. It always protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres; and will never fail. Prophecies will fail, tongues will cease, knowledge will pass away, but love will abide forever…… for God is Love.

How does God know that we love Him…. we keep His commandments! Now abides faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.