Wrapped in Love (Humility)

 If you've ever experienced life in a Borneon village, you'll have most likely heard the gongs.  They can signal various messages depending on the way they are struck.  It could be a call to a community event such as a wedding; a more sober gathering such as a funeral, or one of alarm of impending danger.  But if the gongs are continuiosly struck for no particular reason, they could be irritating and annoying.

Similary, if one is in the midst of a Chinese community during Chinese New Year (CNY), the sounds of drums and cymbals can clang ad nauseam.  The cymbals of the unicorn dance is especially aggravating.  Clang! Clang!  Noise, noise, noise!

When one is trying to sleep or read a book in peace or listen to ones own preferred music, you will understand the infuriating feelings in reaction to such noise pollution.

In "The Love Chapter' (1 Corinthians 13), we learn that doing all sorts of good for people, even using our own gifts and resources, or even speaking,

"...in tongues of men and of angels but have not love" (see vs 1),

that all that presumed goodness is nothing but ...

"... a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal" (vs 1).

Love is an expression of humility.  We need to put God's love into action.  When you read 1 Corinthians 13 you'll see the characteristics of God's love.  It is patient, kind, doesn't envy or boast; it isn't arrogant or rude and so much more.

As we serve the Lord among our brothers and sisters in church, we need to do so with loving humility.  This is the one love we need to encapsulate ourselves in because it comes from God through Jesus, empowered by the Holy Spirit who indwells us.  This is the more excellent way.

Let's ask ourselves,

 "Do I love those I interact with at church?"

Lord, it's true what You say in Your word.  At times we are all noise and action but we forget about action wrapped in Your kind of love.  Your kind of love is often lacking in our hearts and therefore in our actions.  I'm sorry for my bad attitude.  I do need to learn to be more attentive to this more excellent way.  Thank You for Your words of correction.  In Your name Lord Jesus, I pray. Amen.

                                                     ~ ERC  January 2026 ~

Based on 1 Corinthians 12:31 and 13:1-3 ESV.

Sing, Love Will Never Fail, along with Leslie Jordan, Integrity Music.