If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not 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 I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:12

One of our goals as lighthouses for Jesus Christ is to love people. One of the most important truths Ive learned as a believer is that I must lovelove God with all my heart, soul, and mind; my neighbors as myself; and even my enemies.

There was a time when reading 1 Corinthians 13, the Bibles love chapter, frustrated me. I wondered how I could possibly reach such a high standard of spiritual maturity. I had learned that love is important, but no one ever explained to me how to love. One day, God opened my mind to understand that we love just as we receive the gift of salvation or do anything else in the Christian lifeby faith.

Two very important words have helped me. Since God has commanded us to love, we know for certain that it is His will (John 15:12). With that command comes a wonderful promise, that if we ask anything according to His will, we know that He both hears us and will grant what we ask for (1 John 5:1415).

I suggest that you reach out in love, faith, and obedience to every neighbor and acquaintance. Demonstrate to them the agape kind of love described in 1 Corinthians 13. By faith claim Gods love for all, including those from whom you may be alienated. By faith claim Gods supernatural provision to lovingly meet the needs of your neighbors and others around you.

SPREAD THE WORD THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

The most important thing I can do to shine my light for Christ before my neighbors is to love. I want my lighthouse to be a beacon of Gods love. May all lighthouses for Christ do the same.