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Health & Fitness

Questions Our Motives

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NIV) - 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.  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.  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.

It’s the week of love.  Some of you have attended so many weddings you could probably recite this verse.  (See!  You can memorize scripture!)  Ironically, this isn’t about romantic love.  Paul is describing brotherly love, Christian love, day-to-day love – love for the stranger and enemy.  With that in mind, take a second look.

It’s a pretty powerful list - eloquent speaking, understanding and explaining God’s mysteries, accomplishing the seemingly impossible, self-sacrificial giving.  People with these gifts and faith are doing God’s work, right?  Aren’t they our role models?  Not necessarily.  They (and we!) miss the point unless they’re motivated by love.

We feed the homeless and greet the stranger.  We sponsor children and respond to natural disasters.  We try to resolve our differences peacefully and avoid gossip.  Why?   That’s the question today.  What is your motivation?

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What motivates you?  Share your comments below. If you'd like to comment privately, email me at papachung3@aol.com.


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