Let Love Flow Unhindered
ICS Daily Devotions
1 Corinthians 13:2-3, 4b-5 (NKJV) 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, but have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing….love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil;
1 Corinthians 8:1-3 (NKJV) Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. And if anyone thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. But if anyone loves God, this one is known by Him.
The church consists of imperfect individuals, including the pastor. There are spiritual infants, carnal Christians, and mature believers. We often fail to minister to others when we are judgmental, which prevents love and compassion from flowing freely. We should seek spiritual growth, but it takes time because sanctification is a lifelong process. While we can overcome the flesh and walk in the Spirit through the Holy Spirit’s empowerment, we must continually address the work of the flesh until the day we die. There will be a tendency for us to fall into self-centredness, pride, evil thoughts towards others, and being easily offended.
We should avoid causing anyone to stumble in everything we do, including in the matter of eating food offered to idols. We should refrain from doing anything, even if it is permissible, if it causes our brothers and sisters to stumble. There is also a tendency for us to become proud when we have gained knowledge of the Bible. However, it is not how much we know that matters, but how much we love God and others.
God is supreme. He has the freedom to minister directly to an individual or to use us as channels to serve His people. We can either lay hands on someone or speak the word, depending on the gift needed at the moment. When He uses us, we must be willing to be obedient vessels so the gift can flow through us to bless others. Unwillingness may arise from fear of appearing foolish during ministry or from disappointment with the person we are to serve. The Holy Spirit is gentle and will not force us if we refuse, but He will move on to another willing servant.
Faithful stewardship reflects our lifestyle of love for God and our neighbours. Everything we do for God and others must flow from love. When we love God, we will willingly serve Him and the people around us with the gifts He has given us. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).
Reflection: What prevents you from fully surrendering to God’s use of our gifts, and how can you cultivate a heart of obedience and humility so His Spirit can flow through you freely?
Sermon: Stewardship is Established in Love
