1 Corinthians 13:3 "If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Paul is writing about love. He says that we may possess all sorts of gifts and abilities but if we do not possess love, they don't matter. Here he says that even if we give everything to the poor and die for our faith, but lack love, we have gained nothing.
I can't think of two greater deeds than giving all I have to the poor and then die for my faith! How do you top that!? Paul says those deeds without love mean nothing. Love is the greatest trait, quality, characteristic, and deed we can possess. I do a lot of good works. I have some pretty good talents. But how am I in the love department? I'd hate for my life to be a waste because I don't have love. I'd hate to be a very sad and poor martyr!
Dear Jesus, help me love first. Amen.
