Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” I Corinthians 13:1

The third attribute that Paul advised Timothy to be an example of was “charity.” I am sure we are all familiar with I Corinthians 13. Charity is a pure love that our Saviour Jesus Christ manifests. He commanded us to love one another as He loves us. We manifest pure love when from our hearts we show real concern and compassion for others.

Paul also expressed this to Timothy in I Timothy 1:5 “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned.”

As we look more closely at this “love” chapter we see how love can be expressed in our lives”

Longsuffering – patience with others including our families.

Lack of envy – content and thankful for what we have

Humble – not boastful or proud of our abilities and talents.

Unselfish – putting others before ourselves.

Thinketh no evil – not judging others.

Not rejoicing over the failures of others – knowing that we are not perfect.

Endures all things – not complaining.

Optimistic – knowing that love never fails.

Generous – sharing what we have with others.

In our strength, there is no way that we can live up to the ideal presented in these verses. But when we allow the Holy Spirit to take complete control of our hearts and minds, we realize how much the Lord loves us and we can then share that love with others.

Jesus said in John 13:35 “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”

Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, for the love you have bestowed upon us by giving your life on Calvary. Thank you for the love you have put in our hearts, and we pray that we will show that love to those around us in everything we do and speak.