Charity: “The highest, noblest, strongest kind of love, not merely affection; the pure love of Christ.” (bible dictionary)
THE FIRST EPISTLE OF PAUL THE APOSTLE TO THE
CORINTHIANS
CORINTHIANS
CHAPTER 13
Paul extols the high status of charity—Charity, a pure love, excels and exceeds almost all else.
1 “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.
3 And 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.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.
This is one of the most powerful scriptures I have ever read. Sometimes it is not easy to be charitable to those who hate, despise, and are cruel to us. But Heavenly Father knows us, He knows what is in our hearts. As difficult as it may be to love those that hate us, when we do as God commands, our hearts will be filled, our knowledge will increase, and we will be blessed with a glimpse of how much our Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ love US.
I don’t hate you, Steff.
I hate the devil. As an Idahoan, I pray that God will kick his butt clear out of Bonneville County. I hate his lies. I hate the world’s system. And I hate my own selfish nature that constantly tries to defend and save itself.
Paul delivers right on theology. Thanks for the chapter highlight. Beautiful words for our American mess.
Comment by Todd Wood — January 28, 2008 @ 9:29 pm |
Todd,
I’m glad you do not hate me. You do not seem to be the typical “your going to burn in hell if you don’t agree with ME” Christian. I appreciate your words, and your kindness as always! 🙂
And I agree with you, America is in a big mess and I pray we will vote in a rightous leader who can change the direction we are headed!
Comment by steffielynn — January 28, 2008 @ 9:57 pm |
Well said, Todd. Well said.
Comment by raydegraw — January 28, 2008 @ 10:14 pm |
Great choice Steff.
Todd: interesting choice of words. As you know, Mormons believe the presence of the devil is necessary to God’s plan, so not only will God not kick him out of Bonneville County, but if he did, that act would frustrate his plan for you and make your progression impossible. I assume this belief has no corrollary in Evangelical Christianity. But if that is the case, what is your belief about the origin and purpose of the devil? Just curious.
Comment by mcquinn — January 29, 2008 @ 8:44 am |
mcquinn, The sentiment is noble, is it not? 🙂
(Also, is this the thread for a discussion of the origin and purpose of the devil? Steffie, what do you think?)
Comment by raydegraw — January 29, 2008 @ 8:47 pm |
mmm, let’s see: hatred of the devil and hatred of a part of one’s nature. No, nothing particularly noble about either of those things.
There doesn’t seem to be anything else going on in this thread, and it started with a quotation from Paul and a discussion of hatred, so I say it’s perfect.
Comment by mcquinn — January 30, 2008 @ 4:58 am |
Yeah, I see what you mean. 🙂
Comment by raydegraw — January 30, 2008 @ 5:07 am |
Slipped and submitted early.
It IS interesting how a thread on charity slid off into a discussion of hatred.
Comment by raydegraw — January 30, 2008 @ 5:08 am |
Biting his lip
Comment by coventryrm — January 30, 2008 @ 6:14 am |
Nice, coventry. Very nice. 🙂
Comment by raydegraw — January 30, 2008 @ 6:18 am |
Oh, and coventry, #8 wasn’t directed at Todd. It really wasn’t.
Comment by raydegraw — January 30, 2008 @ 6:20 am |
Yeah, I know Coventry, I know…
Comment by mcquinn — January 30, 2008 @ 6:21 am |
You could say that this thread proves the scripture: “There must needs be opposition in all things.”
Comment by mcquinn — January 30, 2008 @ 6:23 am |
It might not be going anywhere, but it’s fun.
Comment by raydegraw — January 30, 2008 @ 6:32 am |
Ray, just out of curiosity: do you read Trash Calls?
Comment by mcquinn — January 30, 2008 @ 10:53 pm |
Cuz you may want to check it out.
Comment by mcquinn — January 31, 2008 @ 2:00 am |
Yes, I do. I think it’s hilarious. I finally commented a few minutes ago (ironically, right before checking out this blog and reading your comment), because someone (Anonymous) said it looked like I was blissfully ignorant of the site – so I thought I would shock him/her a bit.
Weird timing, eh?
Comment by raydegraw — January 31, 2008 @ 3:23 am |
I’m glad you showed up and commented. It was missing something without you. I think Fake Ray did a good job of defending you, though. I’m still laughing about the monkey comment. If you want my theory on who Fake Ray is, I think it’s the snarker.
You definitely have an interesting story. I’m glad to learn more of it.
Comment by mcquinn — January 31, 2008 @ 6:27 am |
It’s always interesting to see how you are portrayed in parody. I don’t have much respect for at least one of the people who comments there, since I just don’t like constant negativity and condescension. (Interesting, ’cause I’m pretty sure he thinks that’s what I do.)
The monkey comment was brilliant. I was quite impressed by Fake Ray. I enjoyed the trip down memory lane, but I really don’t want to inject too much seriousness into such an hilarious blog.
Comment by raydegraw — January 31, 2008 @ 6:58 am |
“an hilarious” – Man, I’m tired. Good night.
Comment by raydegraw — January 31, 2008 @ 6:59 am |
Steffielynn, I just wanted to stop over and say Hi. I finally figured out how to login :). But regarding “charity” I think it’s very important and I’m glad you posted it. People sharing their different beliefs feel very passionate about what they believe to be true. Since foundational truths about God are absolute, and both sides believe their position is the correct view, people can act in a way that Christ forbids. Some people act without restraint because they simply are not truly born again. But if a person truly cares for another individual they will endeavor to treat others the same way they want to be treated as well as share their beliefs.
I’m glad your husband made it home! God bless you
Comment by rejoicenhim — February 1, 2008 @ 7:18 pm |