Sep 22, 2020
I recently discussed this chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 and even this verse a bit in episode 234. But this verse needs more attention because today's topic is appreciating others. Paul tells us that even if we give away everything we have, but we don't love others, it profits us nothing. What kind of profit do you think he's talking about?
Our service to others, without love (or in a business setting) appreciation for them doesn't count. But you may ask what I mean by "counting" and I would tell you the word translated "profits" here is what I'm talking about. In Matthew 6:19-21, Jesus tells us to lay up or store up treasure in heaven rather than treasure on earth. This is part of a longer section of the Sermon on the Mount about rewards.
There are rewards for us, both here on earth and in heaven. The key to those rewards seems to be our love and appreciation for others. When we do something for their good, because of our love for them, then it counts. If we do it for any other reason, that's another story. So today, ask God to give you an appreciation for others. I've wrestled with this in my past, and God continues to work on me so that I won't judge others or label them, but appreciate them and bless them.
Everything you give away today because you appreciate someone else matters. That's why appreciating others is our #2 daily activity on the Marketplace Mission Trip, too. Let's ask God to increase our appreciation for others so that it overflows and they become aware of our appreciation of them, and God's love for them, too.