October 1

1 Corinthians 13:1
“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels and have not charity (love, R.V.), I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal” ―1 Corinthians 13:11Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (1 Corinthians 13:1).
THERE is a great difference between the love of God shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, given unto us, and mere natural affection, precious as that is. The love of 1 Corinthians 13 is the expression of the new life communicated to believers in regeneration. It is the manifestation of the divine nature. It was seen in all its perfection in our Lord Jesus Christ as Man on earth. In the measure in which we live and walk in communion with Him the same love will be seen in us. If we were to change “love” into “Christ,” in verse 4 to 7 of this chapter, we would have a perfect pen-picture of our blessed Lord Himself. It is as we manifest this love that our witness really counts for God, even among those who spurn our message.
“Faith and hope and love we see,
Joining hand in hand agree,
But the greatest of the three
And the best is love.
Faith will vanish into sight,
Hope be emptied in delight:
Love in heaven will shine more bright;
Therefore give us love.”
—Bishop Christopher Wordsworth.