1Corinthians 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And 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, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

Any good deed devoid of the motivation of love means nothing where God is concerned.

But we should note here that the Holy Spirit is not denouncing good works by revealing the higher motivation of love.

It does reveal clearly that it is possible to do many good things, even heroic things, from a selfish motive.  Such things can be done to be seen and praised and to make a name for oneself.

So by no means are tongues, prophecy, revelation, faith, feeding the poor, or being a martyr being discouraged by what is taught here in 1Corinthians 13.

It simply puts into perspective the idea of doing such things in a way that truly counts for something.  The only way to do that is to allow myself to be moved by love towards others.

Granted, a world filled with these acts, even when wrongly motivated, is far better than a world without them.  But for those of us concerned with the record of heaven and the pleasure of God, being rightly motivated so that it counts where it matters most is a big deal.

So when love manifests, what does it look like?

1Corinthians 13:4  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Notice that love, as described here, requires us to be involved with others.  You cannot be a recluse and practice love.  Withdrawing from others will not enable you to exercise love.  The platform for love to be on display involves being among others with purpose.

This is why being committed to the gathering is important, and being involved with others outside the gathering is equally important.

I encourage you today to allow the Holy Spirit to direct your attention where He wants it and be ready to be used by Him to love someone He thinks you should love despite who they are or what they are in the natural or the spiritual.

The only thing that matters is that the Holy Spirit is allowed to fill our hearts and minds with the love of Christ and then direct us about who we are to manifest His love to.  Go in His love today and be ready to show His love to whomever He desires you to show it to.