If I have not love (v.2)

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:2

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To be able to speak about the deep mysteries of God with great understanding and insight is a wonderful thing. As too is having the kind of faith that can carry us through all obstacles and difficulties. But, like spiritual gifts and experiences, unless there is love at the heart of it, it is of no value – I am nothing without love.

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“Our instinct is to be in awe of a person who can prophesy or who has mountain-moving faith” (Sinclair Ferguson). But having special gifts, even extraordinary ones, is not a mark of grace, as Jesus himself made clear (Matt.7:22-23).

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So don’t worry if there seems no opportunity to use your gifts. Concentrate instead on looking for opportunities to love. Jesus, who supremely was blessed with spiritual power and insight, humbly washed his disciples’ feet, an illustration of his willingness to be born among us as our servant and to humble himself even to death on the cross (Phil.2:5-8). That’s how love came down.