If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3).

The opposite of love is not hate.

The opposite of love is pride.

When you operate in love, you put the loved one first. Everything you do is for their benefit. When you operate in pride, you put yourself first. Everything you do is for your own benefit. 

Pretty simple, really

All the spiritual gifts and Church roles that Paul has been discussing have one thing in common–they must be exercised in love. If not, they become sources of pride and self aggrandizement and LookatmeamInotawesomeness. 

God will not honor that.

He will not bring the power of the Holy Spirit into that.

He will not bless that, any more than he blessed the Tower of Babel–and for much the same reason.

And so, your gifts and your work will come to nothing.

Beloved, do not focus on your spiritual gifts, or on your role in the Church. Focus on the people you serve, and the love God gives you for them. Pour out a foundation of love, and see what God will build on it.

Happy Tuesday, Beloved