v 6 But some people have missed this whole point. They have turned away from these things and spend their time in meaningless discussions.
A little while back I read a helpful book by Steve Chalke entitled ‘Adventures in Missing the Point.’ It was a clear statement of how so many of us Christians have struggled and laboured over aspects of our faith that are of minor importance, and yet have missed out on the really big issues of love that should command our serious attention. This well-known passage in 1 Corinthians 13 makes exactly the same point. ‘ If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing.’ Love builds people up and encourages them in their walk with Jesus. You fancy being a Prophet? – Try loving. You fancy understanding all the great mysteries of God – Try loving. You fancy having faith to move mountains? Love is the supreme evidence of discipleship. (John 13:35) and love is the overarching description of God.
Going to church on Sunday, belonging to a Growth Group, working in the HUB Café, helping with children, playing an instrument in Church on Sunday, helping to clean the Hub building – they are all great and useful, but without love they are just activities.
So how do you fare in the love test?
The honest truth is – you probably don’t know: but others will know by the way you live out your Christian life in a self-centred and unloving society. Love is noticeable; love is attractive; love is patient….
Then just read on in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 !
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