Charity (1 Corinthians 13:1)
2022-12-28
Charity translates the same word as love does often. This type of love includes sacrificial service and does not consider self at all. It is embodied by our Lord Jesus Christ perfectly. Where can we find out more about this charity? The so-called love chapter: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13. Let us consider the first verse.
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1)
Charity is not in eloquence in any language. Many have bought into thinking that a good pastor is somebody who has great ability to preach. He can exegete the text and parse those Greek verbs. However, whenever it comes to loving others, he can’t make it.
His lack of love for others makes his preaching sound cacophonous. You no longer want to hear it. Why? Because the whole point of his service is to love others with his gift of teaching and his use of language. However, he is in the pulpit or out preaching in the streets for his own purpose. He loves to hear himself talk to receive the accolades of the world. He needs to be affirmed while he should be affirming others.
Charity takes the gift of preaching and uses it for others, not for himself. You no longer see the man preaching; you see the heart of the Lord there.