–George Sheffield “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, 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, 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, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Cor 13:1 3).
“If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?”(I Jn 4:20).
Love is to be the most important trait of the Christian. In fact, it is the first item listed as being part of the fruit of the Holy Spirit. (Gal. 5:22). No matter how gifted a Christian may be, if love is lacking in his life then he is nothing. He may be an excellent preacher or teacher, able to understand deep Biblical truths, but without love he is nothing. He may be blessed with the ability to perform miracles but without love he is nothing.
He may be one who works hard at helping people, doing endless good deeds, but if he does it without love, his sacrifice means nothing.
Our actions, our gifts, our abilities, our works, our witnessing are all to be motivated by love--love for God and love for people. Take the love away and everything we do becomes a self-centered, meaningless, religious ritual.
Don’t say you love God if you hate some of your fellowman, for God says this hate is proof you don’t love Him. Make sure your life is filled with God’s love through Jesus Christ.
