Love is the Catalyst to Effectiveness

1 Corinthians‬ ‭13:1,‬ ‭ESV‬‬

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

‭ 

Passion without love is just noisy. Passion without love hurts the ears of those who are listening. 

We know that 1 Corinthians 13 (a.k.a. "the love chapter") is sandwiched between two chapters talking about spiritual gifts. What Paul is doing here is emphasizing the truth that love is the catalyst to the effectiveness of our gifts. He goes on in verse 2 to say: 

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.”

As Christians, we’ve got to spend some time in reflection and ask the Lord if we’re speaking out of a heart of love or if we’re just being noisy. And if we struggle to love people, then we just need to begin praying for it. God will place his heart for people within us if we ask him! Remember, God is love, which is why love has so much power. 

Love is the hinge upon which the doors of the hearts of others will be swung wide open or slammed in our face. 

Throughout my life, I have watched the power of love affect change more times than I can count. Love speaks when there can be no words. Love unites when there is no common ground. Love entwines hearts. Love paves the way for influence because love breeds trust. Love breaks barriers. Love is everything. 

That’s why Jesus says it’s the greatest commandment—to love God and love people. Everything hinges upon love. 

Oh Lord, please help us to love the way you call us to love so that our gifts, talents, and passions can be used effectively to build your kingdom. Amen.