All Earth is Hopeful - December 22nd

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

1Corinthians 13:1-3

Without Love We are Nothing

When we read this passage written by Paul we must keep in mind that he is talking about the Greek word agape for love. This type of love demonstrates concern for the well being of other people, unselfish love. This is a self giving love that gives without demand or the expectation of repayment.

Paul declares that this kind of love is the greatest power in the community and he felt that it seemed to be lacking in the communities around him. Wait, is he talking about our communities in 2020? How many times have you said or felt what the Beatles sang decades ago, “All we need is love.”

God has called our communities to be diverse and directed us to get along within these communities by loving one another. This agape (love) allows us to survive and thrive within the muddy waters of differences and disagreements. This wonderful love encourages us to embrace each other unselfishly even in times when our nation feels so divided. As Christians all of who we are and what we do should be grounded in love, God’s kind of love.

Dear Lord,

Help us to remember in this busy Advent season that without love, we are nothing. Enable us to live lives that share this kind of powerful love with our community.

Amen