1 Corinthians 13:3 – “If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I do not love others, I would have gained nothing. “
It is always so amazing to me how the Bible, written thousands of years ago, is still so applicable to us today. This verse speaks directly to the heart of what it means to truly love others. It reminds us that actions alone, no matter how noble they seem, aren’t enough if they lack love. It draws a clear contrast between giving whether it be money, possessions or time and the underlying motivation for those actions.
Many times, in our own lives, we face the challenge of ensuring that our contributions and sacrifices come from a loving heart. We might volunteer our time at a local charity or visiting isolated and lonely patients in the Faith Community Health program at BSWH, with the best intentions, but if we find ourselves grumbling about the time we spent or looking for praise for our efforts, it raises questions about the motivation of our actions. The importance of the matter lies in our intention. Is it rooted in love?
The message is clear! Love is the key ingredient in every interaction and offering we make to the world around us. Love can manifest in countless ways. It can be an encouraging word to a friend in need or a helping hand to our neighbor. Without it, even the most sacrificial actions become devoid of meaning.
- Donna Stauber
