Charity – A More Excellent Way!
“But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way. 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. 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. 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.” I Corinthians 12:31; 13:1-3
At the beginning of a new year, there is always much talk of goals, resolutions, etc. and our home is no exception. As the girls and I have had a few discussions on this topic, today’s Bible time included the above passage that I had read this morning. Although this may not be a passage often referred to at the first of a year, it certainly should be given some thought as we make our New Year’s goals.
To summarize the above verses, no matter how knowledgeable we are, how well we can speak, how big our faith is…if we don’t have Godly love, we are NOTHING. No matter how much good we do, how “sold out for Jesus” we think we are…if we don’t have Godly love, it profits us NOTHING.
In relation to our New Year’s goals, no matter how high and lofty and good and honorable they may be, if they are not accompanied by Godly love, they account for nothing – zero – zilch.
As we talked about these truths this morning, I found myself desiring to understand more and more this thing called charity…true, Godly love. I’m afraid the word “love” is used so loosely these days that many would not be able to give a clear and accurate definition of true love as found in the following verses:
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” I Corinthians 13:4-7
This morning, I decided that we would take one characteristic a day and look at it a little closer by using Matthew Henry’s commentary. I can tell you right now – how convicting and challenging this is going to be! But my, how transforming it could be in our service for the Lord as well as our various relationships if we allow God to work in our hearts!
CHARITY:
1. “It is long suffering—makrothymei. It can endure evil, injury, and provocation, without being filled with resentment, indignation, or revenge. It makes the mind firm, gives it power over the angry passions, and furnishes it with a persevering patience, that shall rather wait and wish for the reformation of a brother than fly out in resentment of his conduct. It will put up with many slights and neglects from the person it loves, and wait long to see the kindly effects of such patience on him.” ~ Matthew Henry