We are all familiar with the characteristics of love in 1 Corinthians 13. In verses 4-7, we are given a code of conduct of those who walk in love. One question I had when reading these was, “It seems like all these things benefit everyone else at my expense, but where do I benefit?” The personal benefits and blessings of walking in love are hidden in verses 1-3. By reverse engineering the scripture, we can see it.
In verse 1 (NKJV) the Bible reads, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal.” This verse says that without love what I say becomes noise. Which means that walking in love means an enhanced level of communication, where you are heard and understood, both by people and the angels in heaven. Think of how effective Jesus’ words are and were simply because his whole purpose for coming to the earth was rooted in love for us.
In verse 2 (NKJV) it says, “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.” Here in these scriptures, it is explained that the lack of love makes us valueless no matter what we know intellectually or what revelation we possess. I’m reminded of a saying that my father-in-law would say: “People don’t care what you know until they know how much you care.” Do you want to truly add value along with your gifts, knowledge, and revelation? Make sure your foundation is love.
Verse 3 (NKJV) of the chapter states, “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.” I’m reminded of Matthew 5:23-24 where Jesus tells us to be reconciled to our brother before we give our gifts at the altar. When we live in love, what we give becomes good seed, and seed sown in the kingdom has a potential profit of 30, 60, and 100-fold.
I know for some of us we like to know the benefits of obedience to encourage us to stay in alignment with the heart of God. God in his grace knows that we sometimes need the proverbial carrot on the stick. So, let’s remember that God with give us the grace we need if we humble ourselves (James 4:6) and walk in love.
Eddie Walker is a staff member of Lord of Hosts Church.
