"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."
1 Corinthians 13:2
Part 1
Immaturity can be a real problem, especially when it shows up in the Church. The church in Corinth is the New Testament example of a church with immature believers. In their desire for spiritual gifts, they had trampled all over “charity.” The Apostle Paul speaks to the issue of spiritual gifts in 1 Corinthians 12-14. Any study of “gifts” is incomplete without these three chapters being considered. Unfortunately, in this devotion today, we are not able to study each chapter. Let me encourage you to do your own personal study on these essential chapters. In our emphasis on faith this month, let’s take some time to think about the balance between “faith” and “love” that the believer needs to understand.
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge;”
Often believers are drawn to those in the church who seem to have it all together. This is especially true regarding their Biblical knowledge. Do not misunderstand, Bible study is of vital importance for the child of God. But here we see that it is possible to have great Bible familiarity, and yet be severely lacking in what God sees as necessary.
Without having love, what do the gift of prophecy, understanding mysteries, and having all Bible knowledge matter? A believer may have great gifts, but unless he/she is loving, these other gifts will be of no real benefit. As crucial as Bible knowledge is, it is not the most important thing!
“And though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains,”
Well, surely “faith” is essential! Yes, it is, but keep reading. Jesus taught that if a man or woman has faith, they can move mountains!
Jesus words…
“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith” (Mark 11:23).
How does this kind of faith that each believer would dearly love to have, stack up against Biblical “love?” Come back tomorrow as we seek the balance between “faith” and “love.”