Without Love

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 – 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.

1 Corinthians 13 is affectionately known in some circles as the ‘Love Chapter.’ Many people have come to describe the characteristics of love through 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. However, I believe it is just as important that we do not miss the importance of having love in our lives when compared to other gifts, abilities, etc. in the world.

In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul spoke to the Corinthians about the spiritual gifts and the unity of each gift, as they are given by the same Spirit. In closing this section, he stated that he would yet show them a more excellent way (1 Corinthians 12:31).

Across many churches today, people are fascinated with power given specific spiritual gifts. Like Paul exclaimed in 1 Corinthians 12:31, they too covet these gifts. We keep such individuals in high regards and places of authority and honor. However…

1. If you dont have love, your talk is just loud noise.

1 Corinthians 13:1 (KJV) – 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.

You can speak with the tongues (language or dialect) of both man and of angels. You can speak several languages of people in earth and of angels in heaven, but without love, it’s just a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. Tinkling is defined as a loud ringing or clanging.

When you hear a loud ringing, you just want it to stop. You don’t care what’s being said. That’s what people without love sound like. The gifting of tongues (men and angels) will matter not and it will not benefit those it was intended without love.

2. Compared to great gifts of the Spirit, without love you are nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:2 – 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.

You can have:

• the gift of prophecy
• understand all mysteries
• understand all knowledge
• have ALL faith, so you could remove mountains…

…and without love you are nothing.

In our churches today, we would consider someone like this of a great caliber and standing before God. We consider the size of the spiritual gifts with the size of the person’s life. We would consider them great in God’s sight. However, without love, they too are nothing. Remember, God gives gifts without repentance (Romans 11:29).

3. Your giving and sacrifices profit YOU nothing without love.

1 Corinthians 13:3 – 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.

Many people in the world do good deeds. They feed and clothe the poor. Give to those who ask…and in some situations would become a martyr or sacrifice themselves for others. Yet in spite of all those things that would seem worthy to the world, without love, it would profit you nothing.

When many people do these things, they may expect something in return – whether from the person or the Lord in Heaven (at the judgment). However, you would not bring you any further ‘gain’ because you do not have love.

Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 what love is and how it can be described. May love be the excellent way you choose to under gird your life.

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