JULY 21, 1 Corinthians 13:4

What does the word “charity”, that is found in the verse, mean? It is love in action. And this story below should help us understand a little more…

Mrs Lee and Shella her daughter had just reached home. When they walked into the flat, Sara – Shella’s older sister, suddenly burst into laughter when she saw her sister’s new haircut.

“Eek! Your haircut is horrible!” Sara exclaimed loudly.

Upon seeing the expression on Sara’s face and hearing her derogatory remarks, Shella burst into tears and ran into her bedroom.

“What’s wrong with Shella? I was just kidding her. She is so petty. Can’t she take a joke?” Sara said, obviously not realising she had done anything wrong.

Mother now sat Sara down and gently asked, “Don’t you think that you hurt Shella’s feelings when you laughed at her?”

Sara dropped her eyes. She thought about it, and indeed, felt ashamed. She knew she had been unkind. Mother explained, “We all want to be treated with love and kindness. And love is kind. People who love don’t hurt one another.”

God is love. If we say we are Christians and do not love others, then our Christian faith is useless. Paul stressed the importance of charity and described at length what charity is all about, encouraging the church not to just talk about love, but to actually live it out.

Thought: Have you ever hurt someone with your words and actions?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we are often thoughtless and unkind to others. Please forgive us. Help us love others by remembering how the Lord Jesus showed His love towards us in dying on the cross for our sins. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.