13 If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
2 If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
3-7 If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
1 Corinthians 13: 1-7
Today we come to one of the most famous chapters of the Bible. 1 Corinthians 13 is called “the Love Chapter.” Paul has been answering questions about spiritual gifts in chapter 12 and ends with the statement that he is going to show us “the excellent way.” He opens with three “if-but-then” statements.
If I have a golden tongue and can win people over with my speech, but have no love, I am nothing, bankrupt.
If I am brilliant with all kinds of answers to questions but have not love, I am nothing, bankrupt.
If I am the most generous of givers to charities but have no love, I am nothing, bankrupt.
“Bankrupt” is a strong word. To me it connotes failure and loss of resources. So before we read further as Paul describes “love,” let us ponder where our wealth lies. What makes you feel wealthy? Perhaps you feel closest to God when you are emersed in your music, or nature or family or filled with appreciation for accomplishments. Many areas of life bring us blessings. so think how you might finish the statement, “I am not bankrupt if I ____________. Then thank God for that blessing in your life.
On the Way to Wonder 