But Didn’t Love

Today’s Encouragement is, “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.” 1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT

But Didn’t Love –

Imagine understanding God’s secret plans or possessing all knowledge!  What if you had faith to move mountains?  Everything you prayed for would be done! Imagine such closeness to God that you knew what He was planning. He waited to hear what you would ask, and then He would do it!  But this brings us frighteningly close to being God!  And friend, I think we all agree you ain’t! And I assure you that I ain’t! 

Yet imagine with me, just for a moment, this type of capacity, power, authority… but without Love!   Pretty Terrifying! 

God is identified by many characteristics, Power, Eternity, and Wisdom, but the one overarching attribute of God repeatedly described implicitly and explicitly in the Bible is… “God Is Love.” 1 John 4:8 

Because we are His people, His adopted children, chosen, forgiven, washed clean, and reborn as new creations… we Love!  

Why? “We love each other because he loved us first.” 1 John 4:19. 

This is His plan! His Way! His Gift to us! It is a commandment given by Jesus, “Jesus replied, You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: Love your neighbor as yourself.’” Matthew 22:37-39

Father, help us know and accept Your Love, and then Love others in this same way. 

If I Don’t Have Love 

Leeland and Lauren Strahm