August 20

Esther 8:1-10:3; 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13; Psalm 37:1-11; Proverbs 21:23-24

1 Corinthians 13 is one of the best known texts in the Bible. This beautiful discourse on love is found in an extended passage where Paul addresses ministry and the use of our spiritual gifts. Any ministry—in order to matter in eternity—must be done in love.  

Nearly four decades ago, a then twenty-something very-gifted high school English teacher in our church wrote the following poem:

First Corinthians Thirteen Reconsidered

If Christ-like love does not affect my speech,
It matters not what languages I know.
The mysteries divine within my reach
Elude my grasp if mercy I don’t show.
If I could with my faith a mountain move,
The miracle, alone, is meaningless.
To give possessions to the poor would prove
A loss, if charity I don’t possess.    
If I surrender body to the flame,
In spite of suffering that my flesh would rack,
If Christ’s compassion is not what I claim,
I’m just another pyromaniac.
The gifts I value now will pass away—
The singing, speaking, teaching—all will cease.
One gift alone endures until that day
Christ ends all conflict with His perfect peace.
Because the one eternal gift is love,
Help me to keep the others in their place.
Supply me from your endless source above,
So all I do reflects redeeming grace.

—Bonnie Miedema Reinders

Father, help me to remember that—done in love—any ministry, any act of service, will be remembered and rewarded in eternity.  In Jesus’ name.  

Question of the day: How should the truth that love takes otherwise passing service and makes it eternal, impact my current ministry?