The Greatest of These Is Charity
The Greatest of These Is Charity- 1St Corinthians 13
post updated 10-31-24
There are many things in the Bible that we seek more clarity about. We know that charity is love, and love is charity. Charity is considered the highest form of love.
In Christian thought, the highest form of love, signifies the reciprocal love between God and man that manifests in the unselfish love of one’s fellow man. – Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419
St. Paul’s Biblical description of charity is found in the New Testament
1st Corinthians 13: 1- 8, 13
1 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.
2 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.
3 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.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
13 And now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
The Greatest Of These is Charity-Love-Christ Perfect Love
The Lord has shown me through His words that one of the most important parts of salvation, Christianity, or living a Christian life is about love. I am so glad that He loves me enough to remind me how important loving others is. In the chaos of daily life, it might be hard to accept that regardless of the circumstances…we are to love others.
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” John 13: 34
Learning how to love and live the benefit of charity within our walk to please the Lord helps us throw away unwanted interference within our lives. However, it takes some consciousness to be on top of our actions.
We want our life to be an example to others who are around us, and those who have not decided to follow the same path that we have. It is important to show them that it is our Christian nature to love, even when it is hard. Generating love for others is what we can do that gives them clarity of the Lord’s graces.
Is Love Over Faith-This is What The Scripture States
The Bible tells us that one of those important realities of Christianity is the profound love that becomes a part of our Christian inheritance. The first part of 1st Corinthians tells us that love rules over the tongues of men and of angels.
It rules over prophecy, mysteries, and all knowledge, and it even rules over faith. Here is what it says about faith– “and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains and have not charity, I am nothing. (1st Corinthians Chapter 13: V 2)
In Our World Today
Looking around us in the world today, we can see that Christian living appears to be laughed at, scorned, criticized, and in some cases mocked. It appears okay for them to do what they think is their privilege but that is not how they feel about others.
When we look inside some aspects of life, (the corporate world, politics, news, Social Media, and such) we see so much discord, hate, and boastfulness. Some of it is trying to destroy other people’s lives. Do any of these people call themselves followers of Christ?
For some of the above areas, there is no defense that I can convey. However, I do defend those who commit to try to do what the Bible Scriptures tell us is right.
What these people do not understand, is that God will take care of the good, the bad, and the ugly things, Himself, in His own time. He does not need anyone’s help but some people think they are an exception.
I also defend someone who is trying to live their truth according to the Bible. Revenge from others should not be a part of anyone’s life who is trying to go to a better place. If we support someone who is a person of revenge, something is wrong. Of course, revenge is not the only fault of what is seen in today’s politics.
“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19
As stated aboe: Charity – Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 1st Corinthians 13:16
Why Am I Talking About This
There are (some) performances that do not radiate the title they are professing. Of course, they claim that you cannot mix politics with religion. They have a job to do, however, it should be without the external chaos they are representing.
My stance on this is, if you profess Christianity, you will be the same in any atmosphere, setting, conversation, or reporting you are in, regardless of mixing. You speak the truth, however, you do not try to destroy another human. You cannot have it both ways.
You are either a Christian or you are not a Christian. A Spiritual Journey-Self Assessment
Oh yes, I know that love is hard in politics, and God is loving, forgiving, merciful, and kind. There is forgiveness however, the actions and reactions are disturbing and bad for our Nation and our lives.
Summary:
I hope this is not scattered for you, I want to emphasize that love will work in any situation. It will lead us to truth, it will help us in fear, and it will help us to understand others, and others to understand us.
Today’s verse: “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.” 1 John 4: 18
God’s Love Abides Forever,
