LOVE

Is it really possible do give everything I own to the poor and not have love; wouldn't that be proof of my love? How about amazing faith and power - if I had that, wouldn't that be proof of my love for God? Or even if I die for the Lord, THAT must be proof...not according to 1 Corinthians 13:2-8 (Amplified Bible)

2And if I have prophetic powers ([a]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), and understand all the secret truths and mysteries and possess all knowledge, and if I have [sufficient] faith so that I can remove mountains, but have not love (God's love in me) I am nothing (a useless nobody).

3Even if I dole out all that I have [to the poor in providing] food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or [b] in order that I may glory, but have not love (God's love in me), I gain nothing.

4Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily.

5It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong].

6It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail.

7Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything [without weakening].

8Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end]. As for prophecy ([c]the gift of interpreting the divine will and purpose), it will be fulfilled and pass away; as for tongues, they will be destroyed and cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away [it will lose its value and be superseded by truth].

Keep in mind when reading this, not to use this to keep score of the sins of others *tongue in cheek * but let it be like a mirror - how does your own reflection look in this light? Perhaps God is more concerned with our motives than the actions themselves..? But who can know their own motives or perceive their own hidden sins? May the Holy Spirit bring light and revelation into all the dark recesses of our hearts and expose everything to the light so that we can walk in purity in our devotion to Jesus.. for man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart...