Title

Without Love

Scripture
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
(1 Corinthians 13:1)
Devotional
No matter how eloquent the speech, void of love it is but noise. Without love, our compliments are only flattery, our romance is mere lust, and our promises hollow. Without love, no matter how hard we try, we will never live up to our words. Instead of conversation, we have rhetoric. Instead of communication, we have broadcasting. Instead of having ears to hear, we only have mouths that speak. Herein is the difference between great words and flowery speeches. Without love, the phrase, “I love you” is but a means to gain an advantage. Many flowing words void of love can never match a few words with it. Therefore, if you are unable to speak in love, do not speak at all. If love is not your purpose, then wait until it is. The truth of our text is applicable to every realm from marriage to business. Therefore, make love the root of your words and your words will bear fruit.
Thought For The Night

“‘Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love’ (1 Corinthians 13:13) Not Storge, nor Philia, nor Eros, but Agape, God’s love.’” Tony Foglio, Founding Pastor of Sonrise Community Church.

Evening Text
1 Corinthians 13:1: Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become a sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.
Looking for Answers
Evening Study Guide
Defining: “Love” as defined in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. It is not feelings, even though it causes them. It is more than often mimicked by infatuation, passion, and lust.
 
Referencing: “God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him,” 1 John 4:16.
 
Applying: Do not mistake emotion, passion, or lust for love. Remember, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.  It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.  It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres,”
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7 NIV.