DEPRIVATION OF LOVE
Pstr Manolito Ramos
I Corinthians 12:31 – 13: 1-3
31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.
1Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2And 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.
3And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
LOVE should be expressed in a right way.
Two things that are deprived:
1.) Material Aspect
2.) Emotional Aspect
We are in a period where success matters.
1.) Status Symbol – accepted and applauded by the society
2.) Security - not bothered by tomorrow
3.) Satisfaction – well-meaning feeling
IRONY OF SUCCESS: Instead of fulfillment, we experience the bloated sensation of being full of our self. The result is not contentment but nausea.
Apostle Paul’s advice in verse 31.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE FOR:
1.) Spiritual Enablement
2.) Capacity for Specific Service
The exercise of Spiritual Gifts should be substantiated with love.
WHEN DO WE DEPRIVE LOVE? (Even if we are successful and spiritually gifted)
1.) When our SPEECH is EMPTY OF FEELING. V.1
- full of sound but no substance
Speak the truth in love. Ephesians 4:15
- we create emotional wounds (sliced feeling)
2.) When our SPIRITUALITY is ENVELOPED IN FORMALITY (v.2)
- every person has a spiritual stance
- with knowledge but no attitude of love
- we cannot false spirituality. Love is felt like a magnet.
3.) When our service is externally and fleshly. V.3
- Man enjoys showmanship. Love is convincing.
- True colors lie inside. Love is natural.
“LEARN TO DEFINE LOVE, NOT DEPRIVE IT”
No comments:
Post a Comment