Charity 11.27.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

Happy Thanksgiving to my American readers!

Today we are continuing our studies on the book of I Corinthians, please read Chapters 10-13 in your Bible or you can Click Here to read them online. If the link does not work you can copy and paste this one into your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians%2010-13&version=9

Today we will read about the guidelines for worship; the Lord's Supper; and the greatest gift of all, charity (love). Today's message focuses on the importance of having charity for one another.

It may seem surprising to the world, but from God's point of view it is more important to be known for one's loving kindness, throughtfulness, and consideration than being a famous evangelist or teacher. Paul expressed the importance of charity for one another and no matter how successful you are at teaching God's Word if you are not kind toward one another we do not get very farin life. "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 13:1-3).

It is also more important to love, as God loves, than for being the most prominent prophetic speaker in the world. Paul went on to reveal this God-given ability to love. "Charity (love) 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." (13:4-7). This God kind of love is very parient, never envious, or boastful, it does not brag to others or is rude to people. Neither is it self seeking, quick to take offence, or resentful.

Charity has a way of making us more concerned for the feelings and rights of others and less occupied with our own. The love of God causes us to stop trying to always grab the best for ourselves or taking advantage of others.

Charity also has a way of keeping us from listening to people who are anxious to pass on the latest gossip about the faults and failure of others. We must all remember that love bears and endures all things without getting frustrated or angry. Charity never fails regardless of whether it is for friends, difficult people, or strangers.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
We are thankful for Your great compassion and enduring patience; that You do not treat us as our sins deserve but with Your never-ending mercy. From everlasting to everlasting Your love is with those who walk with You, who keep Your covenant and obey Your precepts. In Jesus' name.....Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day!
God Bless,
Christina

Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net