Daily Devotional
The Victory of Love
December 5, 2019
Today’s Reading
Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect has come, then that which is in part will be done away. 1 CORINTHIANS 13:8–10
The Victory of Love
Let’s consider the victory of love found in the wonderful declaration of verse 8: “Love never fails.” That’s one of the greatest statements in the Bible. Love is eternal. It will never pass away. Notice the things that will pass away, however. Prophecy, tongues, and knowledge are impressive gifts, but they will all
pass away. Remember verse 2, where Paul says that prophecy, knowledge, and faith add up to nothing without love. Paul is telling us not to get puffed up about what we know, because when it’s all said and done we only know “in part” (v. 9).
The truth is that we don’t know 1 percent of anything. Some people think they know the future, but all they really have is an educated guess, or maybe a hunch. We are also warned against getting puffed up about the gifts we possess. The gift of tongues was one of the more spectacular spiritual gifts for the early Church, but the gift of tongues fades and will be stilled. Love, however, endures.
A little child can ask questions about heaven that a doctor of theology can’t answer. We need humility in these areas. But one thing we can know is that love will last. Love is more important than education. It’s more important than ability. It is more important than prophecy. All of these things are going to pass away. May your family be known for the gospel it shares and the love it shows. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be famous for the gospel and famous for love?
When Christmas guests walk into your home, may they say, “This is a home that loves.” Love is not only the greatest virtue; it is also the greatest commandment. Jesus Himself said that love for God is the first and greatest commandment (Matthew 22:37–40). If love is the greatest commandment, then what would be the greatest sin? It must be the failure to love, because that would be breaking the greatest commandment. Love is the greatest virtue and the greatest commandment. It is the greatest testimony!
Activity
Read Matthew 22:37–40 and discuss together what it means to love the Lord Jesus with all of your heart, soul, and mind. Then ask this question: “In what ways do we love ourselves?” Remember that these are the ways we should show love for others. Show your love for others by leaving an encouraging note for someone who decorates their yard well while looking at yard decorations. Show love by using your talents to be a blessing to someone else; volunteer, sing carols at a care facility, or serve a meal.
Take advantage of the related activities and resources at ExperienceChristmas.org.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
