Love From The Springs Of God

"And now I will show you the most excellent way"... (1 Corinthians 13:1a);

Paul in writing to this Corinthian Church has in mind to clear up misunderstanding as to what is required of one who claims to be a Christian.  This Church had become in some ways unruly, unkind to one another, each seeking their own experience, and pushing to promote their own designed beliefs.  The misuse of the Lord's Supper was tantamount towards heresy, a desire to show off their spirituality.  "In the following directives I have no praise for you for your meetings do more harm than good" (1 Corinthians 11:17).  This Church was becoming more like a pagan ritual, festival, gorging themselves and bringing shame upon the Church even going so far as to become drunk on the wine and humiliating those who have nothing (vs. 22).  It seems as a 'bragging' contest over Spiritual Gifts occurred, "I have more than you; therefore I am more Spiritual than you."  They had in mind that these Spiritual Gifts were given to them because of their Spirituality. 

Once a young man asked me after listening to my testimony, "Have you received the baptism of your prayer language?"  I looked at him with a questioning look; what is this special "prayer language?"  Did I miss out?  Where in the Bible does it say that I need a prayer language?  Even today as in the Corinthian Church there are those chasing after "Spiritual Gifts" as sort of some mark of their Spirituality.  Do I need to seek these gifts?  "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines" (1 Corinthians 12:11). It is not wrong to desire Spiritual gifts so that you might be used to bring the Good News to others about Jesus and salvation provided by Him through His death, resurrection, and ascension.  Paul then writes that there is a more excellent way.  That way is love!  Love springs forth spontaneously and if it is sought then what we have is not real love for others, only a selfish interest.  Spontaneous Love that Springs from God spring is a love that is genuine, for it is patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and is not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrong, does not delight in evil, it will always protect, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres.  This love that come from the Springs of God never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:1ff).

Seek not love, seek God and allow Him to be spontaneous in your life.  We show His love to our world, family, and friends.  We don't know from what or where God will show His spontaneous love through our lives; we will just be ready to receive His love and then demonstrate that love to others.  Why?  "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this : While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5: 8).

Daily Prayer:

Father Your Love flows from Your Springs, Your very being, for You are Love.  Forgive me for being selfish in that I have sought gifts from You without waiting for You to give to me the gifts You desire for me.  Prepare my heart, renew my spirit, I receive Your Love today and will give You thanks for loving me enough to die for me to save me from my sins that have kept me apart from You.  May You Love from Your Springs flow through me out into my world.                                                              Amen