Devotional Guide, Today’s Reading – Tuesday, October 8, 2019

Theme: THE LOVE OF GOD

Text: “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. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though  I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Comment: St. Paul, under divine inspiration stated that whatever gift one has without charity or love, it is vanity: be it speaking in tongues, oratory, prophecy, understanding all mysteries, all knowledge or faith that removes mountains. He showed further that giving away one’s goods to the poor or even sacrificing one’s life is of no profit whatsoever, if it is not based on the spiritual love of God or charity. From the above explanation of St. Paul, it is clear that a good number of the things seen as acts of charity by many people do not measure up to the divine standard, since they are done with evil or ulterior motives to impress people and win favour. Love or charity is that act which is motivated by the spirit of God in a person with a  sincere heart to advance righteous causes to the glory of God. Such an act is for the good of his neighbour, his fellow man.  King Amaziah is reported to have done “that which was right in the sight of the LORD, but not with a perfect heart”. (2 Chronicles 25:2) He was merely going through the motions in terms of service to God whereas his heart was not there. Our love for God must be sincere. “Now the end of the commandment” says Apostle Paul, “is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.” – 1 Timothy 1:5.

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