1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (NRSV)
If I speak in tongues of mortals and of angels, but do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
Devotion
In this scripture, Paul is telling us that love should be our motivation for all that we do. However, while this may sound simple, I find that this can be a little daunting to put into practice. This is true especially when it comes to living hospitable lives and serving others selflessly. How do we know if our efforts are coming from a genuine place of love? As we are well aware, it is so easy to get stuck in our own self-centered bubbles, turning a blind eye to the needs of those around us. It can feel simple to act welcoming and friendly towards others, even if we really are apathetic.
However, Paul says that if our acts do not stem from love, we are nothing. We are called to serve others because we genuinely want to serve them, and we are called to act generously and hospitably towards others because of our deep love for them. For when we live out this calling, our hearts are filled with gratitude and purpose—a purpose that drives our faith.
Remembering how God sees us, we must strive to see others as God does. This is the key step to moving into authentic hospitality and service. We must also humble ourselves, remembering how Jesus humbled himself before others. Today, I invite you to reflect on the ways in which you provide service and hospitality in your communities. Knowing that God loves us unconditionally, think about how we can pour that restorative love out onto others in a way that is genuine and abundant.
Prayer
Dear Lord, I pray that today you would renew our intentions so that we can love and serve our neighbors in a way that reflects Jesus’ ministry. I pray that you cleanse our hearts, and point out the ways in which we can more genuinely serve and welcome those around us and better respond to their needs. Amen.
Emma Staeger