What Love Isn't

If I speak human or angelic languages but do not have love, I am a sounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have a gift of prophesy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith so that I can move mountains but do not have love, I am nothing. And if I donate all my goods to feed the poor, and if I give my body in order to boast but do not have love, I gain nothing. 1Cor 13:1-3
 
Being able to speak all manner of languages at the right time is a high prize, but if I have this gift for the gift's sake alone or even to boast, it is empty and worth nothing. There probably is only One who speaks all languages and he is filled with love for those who speak such languages.
 
Being able to prophesy is a very desirable gift, but if it is sought for the sake of having it alone, without the love to motive it, it is nothing.
 
Understanding mysteries is desirable, I love solving mysteries, I love uncovering them in the word of God, but what for? If it not motivated by a love for God, His word and others, forget it.
 
Faith motivates me, I love to step out with it, it is exciting, adventurous, daring, but if the reason it exists is not for love, then it is devoid of life.
 
I love to give but if I am not motivated by love but rather to be seen by men, then it is empty of grace.
 
Laying down my life for the gospel is important but only if love motivates me. Religious fervour is a trap.
 
My love for God and others must consume me first, then all other things will flow in a Spirit of Life. First things first. Amen!
 

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