(1 Cor. 12:31.)
The way of love is what the apostle calls "more excellent," and he goes on to show this goodly way in the 13th chapter of i Corinthians. Let it be remembered, just here, that it is not what makes one a Christian, as Prof. Drummond taught, and as many others do now. No, reader, but it is by receiving Christ, as John i:12 declares.
Our readers probably know that " charity" should be rendered "love" throughout the chapter, as "charity," which is now used to express kindly feelings toward others, or distribution of goods to the needy, does not convey the full meaning of "love." Man's natural and inveterate desire is to self-exaltation, and carnal Christians seek after and boast in showy gifts as tongues, healing powers, oratorical ability to move audiences, etc. Even where these are real (not delusions, or pretended, as much that we now hear of is), the apostle puts them last in the scale of gifts. (See verse 28 of chap. 12.)
The Holy Spirit, therefore, through the apostle, reviews the gifts with which God may endow man, but which yet may, and often are, exercised apart from love.
The first two verses show that great gifts of knowledge, of tongues, and even of faith, may lack love in their exercise. In such case the user of the gift is but a heartless, clanging cymbal in God's sight. Then verse 3 shows that philanthropy, without love as its motive, profits the philanthropist nothing.
Now, in verses 4-7, the apostle breaks out in an ardent description of what love will not do, and what it does do:-It suffers long, in kindness; it is not envious of others; is not boastful; not swelled up with self-importance; is not of unbecoming ways; it stands not up stiffly for its "rights;" is not " touchy;" does not suppose evil in others; does not use the wrong-doings of others to exalt itself, but rejoices in the right. It does not retaliate, but hopes for the best. Oh, beautiful, precious, divine grace !It is the off-spring of God-for GOD IS LOVE; it will abide for ever, and expand in its own home above.
Lord, grant that this precious grace may rule in every heart of Thy beloved people !
Love is at home in service.