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Today's Scripture

You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love... You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.
—Galatians 5:4-6; 13-15 (NIV)

Additional Scripture

- 1 Corinthians 13:1-10

 

Reflect on the Word

What if the measure of success when it comes to our spirituality isn’t what we think? What if Jesus is less concerned with our full sanctuaries, weekly religious practices, eloquent sermons and the songs we sing in worship? What if He is more concerned with our ability to love the people He has called us to serve?


In Galatians 5, Paul tears down an argument about the legalities of religious practice and replaces it with a charge to humbly serve—motivated by love. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul holds up love as the standard of substance. If one possesses great speech, the ability to preach the Word with power, great faith or even the ability to sacrifice all for the sake of the gospel, but is not motivated by love, he has nothing to show for all his toil.


Why is love so important to the life of the believer? Perhaps we catch a glimpse of the answer in 1 Corinthians 13:8-10. While gifts such as prophecy, tongues and knowledge are for our edification and benefit in our time here on Earth, they will cease in the completion of all things in eternity.

But love? Love lasts beyond our temporary assignment into the fullness of the kingdom of heaven. After all, it was love that purchased our place in that kingdom and that compels us to invite others into the family of God.


“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved”
(Ephesians 2:4-5, NIV).

 

Prayer + Contemplation

  1. Reflect on the early moments of your life in Christ when you were glimpsing for the very first time the love that Christ had poured out on you. Ask the Holy Spirit to stir up that same love in your heart for the people around you.
  2. Thank God for His love for you, poured out without measure, and take a moment to repent for the times you have withheld that great love from those around you who feel hard to love.
  3. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your heart and to produce the fruit that is in alignment with 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 as you submit to His instruction and counsel in your life.