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

This Chapter, 1 Corinthians 13, is known as the “Love Chapter”. Now looking at the King James Version, you might say , well the word love doesn’t even appear here, let’s take a look at the original Greek. The Greek word is Agape that is typically translated as love and here in KJV as Charity, so which is right? Well they both are right, as Agape is a very deep and action, not just an emotion.

Here is commentary from gotquestions.org about the word Agape:

The Greek word agape is often translated “love” in the New Testament. How is “agape love” different from other types of love? The essence of agape love is goodwill, benevolence, and willful delight in the object of love. Unlike our English word love, agape is not used in the New Testament to refer to romantic or sexual love. Nor does it refer to close friendship or brotherly love, for which the Greek word philia is used. Agape love involves faithfulness, commitment, and an act of the will. It is distinguished from the other types of love by its lofty moral nature and strong character. Agape love is beautifully described in 1 Corinthians 13.

 It’s believed the KJV translated the word Agape to Charity, to demonstrate that Agape is not just a mere feeling but its a love with action. The English word Love today has become very watered down and cliche. People will tell each other they love them, sometimes just as a greeting. However Agape is a deep sacrificial love, it’s not just words spoken but also with action.

So going back to our scriptures today, I’m going to paraphrase what Paul says here “ Even if I speak with great words from people or angels, if I have no love , I am just creating loud noise” We see and know a lot of Christians who have good intentions preaching on the street or even sharing scriptures on social media, however they come across hostile or aggressive. Therefore nobody is hearing their message, as brother Fred said “We are not the Holy Spirit” , we can’t beat people over the head with the Bible and expect them to become saved. We need to connect with people, not just preach to them. This requires more work, which many don’t want to do.

Agape is an action love, it’s not just saying we love people, it’s actually demonstrating we love people. Just as Paul said “God demonstrated his own love towards us, while we were still sinners Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8) We can have all the knowledge of the Bible, but if we don’t demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit Love (Galatians 5), it’s all meaningless.

Paul goes on to say, I can have the gift of prophecy, understand all the mysteries and have all knowledge, I can even move mountains, however without love, I am nothing! Think about this! Before we puff ourselves up and pat ourselves on the back, are you doing the will of God? Did you show and demonstrate the grace and mercy that has been given to you by Jesus Christ? Remember we were all lost at one time, don’t be a stumbling block, be a vessel for the Holy Spirit!

Don’t be a noisy gong, connect with people through Love, then share the gospel message with them! Amen!