If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing.3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
In life, ministry or in marriage - the verse above is so true! However heroic the deed, however great the sermon, however strong the faith - without love all is empty and meaningless.
I am an introvert by nature. I do not seek to be with many people to recharge my soul - I seek solace and the beauty of nature to re-energize.
And yet I am drawn inextricably to ministry. I love sharing my faith with others through service. I have this tendency to love the people who share my faith, the people I serve through ministry. And with this love I do more for them, I try and share my experiences with God with them - if they would listen.
I see many who serve in church every week, who preach wonderful sermons and give great spiritual advice - yet are devoid of love. It is a chore to them, an obligation - a means of redemption for the sins they've committed in their dark pasts. How can you sacrifice your time, your energy and yourself without love for those you serve? How can you do great deeds in God's glory and not love your brothers and sisters in Christ?
That fire you hear in a person's voice when a person talks about his faith and determination... That smile that grows brighter when a person sees you arrive at prayer gatherings or group activities... That listening ear that stays to hear you out when you know the person has a hundred or so other tasks to finish... That heart that aches when you are in pain, when you are sick or grieving... That is love. God's love expressed in the actions of a true servant - the one who loves.
Because it is not about glory. It is not about being exalted in front of others. It is not about raising in rank. It is not about being famous. No, it is all about love. The same love in Jesus' heart when he died on that cross for us. That kind of love - the unconditional one, the one that expects nothing in return.
Know this, if I retreat from the limelight - it is because I do not need glory or fame - all I wanted to do was share God's love. I want to share God's love and give Him all the glory. You don't need to know who I am, I am just that person who smiles when you come into the room and say hello. I don't need to be singled out, I am just a servant, I am God's servant - only here when you need me and gone when you don't. My goal is simple to share God's love and if this is your goal too then I am with you. But if it is not, then we must go our separate ways - our roads are different.
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