Listen

If I speak in tongues of human beings and of angels but I don’t have love, I’m a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and I know all the mysteries and everything else, and if I have such complete faith that I can move mountains but I don’t have love, I’m nothing. If I give away everything that I have and hand over my own body to feel good about what I’ve done but I don’t have love, I receive no benefit whatsoever.

Love is patient, love is kind, it isn’t jealous, it doesn’t brag, it isn’t arrogant, it isn’t rude, it doesn’t seek its own advantage, it isn’t irritable, it doesn’t keep a record of complaints, it isn’t happy with injustice, but it is happy with the truth. Love puts up with all things, trusts in all things, hopes for all things, endures all things.

1 Corinthians 13:1-7

Think

God is love, which means that God is not just something you believe in, but a life you live. A life that offers grace, gives hope, and strives for peace… because that is what love does. Others might experience God when you love those around you and serve those who need you. God is revealed when you choose love over indifference, grace over judgement, and justice over fear.

You may think that you are not called to speak because you lack talent, have little confidence, or you have made poor choices in the past. Friends, nothing can be further from the truth. You are capable of loving those who are struggling and suffering.

Paul tells us that it doesn’t take talent or gifts to be able to speak, but a passion and commitment to love when you do speak. So speak with love as your motive, because someone needs to hear your voice. And they will know God’s love.

Ed Stallworth

Pray

Lord, work in me so that others may see you through me. May love guide us and make a way for us. Amen.

Go

Francis Assisi once said, “Preach the Gospel at all times; when necessary use words.”

May God walk with you, work in you, and speak through you because of the life you live.