Our reflections for the next 13 weeks will be based on 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 and will be personal testimonies of how this passage has impacted the writers personally.
Listen:
“If I speak in the tongues of humans and of angels but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Reflect:
I’ve always admired polyglots, charismatic communicators and those endowed with eloquent speech. Yet today’s Bible passage says that even if I speak all the languages of people and of angels, if I don’t have love, I’m nothing but an empty hollow sound. I think this goes beyond excellence in language arts and includes anything we can say or do with albeit good intentions. Without love, even seemingly good actions or attributes are meaningless.
But what is love? 1 Corinthians 13 beautifully describes not what it is, but Who it is. “God is Love” (1 John 4:16). Therefore, our most important communication skills should be talking and listening to God and allowing our relationship to flourish like a love song. “We love because He first loved us” (1 John 4:19). Indeed, it’s God’s love poured out on us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus-Christ that allows us to truly love others.
Last year, my husband’s godmother became very ill and sadly she’s now in hospice care. She’s blind and practically deaf so communication is extremely complicated. Since I live the closest to her, I was asked by other relatives to speak on their behalf. Suddenly I wondered if I could express the proper words (in French). What could I tell her to offer comfort and peace? How could I talk gently to her son who’s mentally handicapped? Then I was reminded it’s not up to me and I couldn’t do it on my own. Thanks to prayers from family and friends, God’s love shone through. Indeed, with Him, I was able to be a humble messenger of love, grace and eternal hope in Jesus.
Prayer of Response:
“Lord, we need you and we’re nothing without you. Please help us to draw closer to you and to put you first in our lives. Lead our hearts so that we can be instruments of your love, mercy and peace. Amen.”
Questions to Ponder:
- What unique attributes or talents do you think God has given you to share His love with others?
- Are there any noises or distractions in your life that keep you from hearing God’s voice?
- How do you think God is leading you to tune in closer to Him.
Breath Prayers:
Join us in praying breath prayers each day. We invite you to write your own as well.
Inhale (Breathe in): Fill me, Lord
Exhale (Breathe out): With your love.
(Repeat)
Submitted by Lilia Ledent:
Lilia currently lives in Grenoble, France surrounded by the majestic Alps. She’s a widow and mother of 4 wonderful children. By God’s grace, she’s learning to navigate this new season of her life and will soon be a first-time homeowner. In her free time, she loves to do oil painting, hiking and cooking international meals.