If I can speak in the tongues of men and even of angels, but have not love; that reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion such as is inspired by God's love for and in us, I am only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.Good works cannot be substituted for the love of God, because good works without love are empty. They don't amount to anything. We can do a lot of noble things, like feeding the hungry and visiting the sick; however, none of those things will truly profit anyone if our actions aren't motivated by love.
And if I have prophetic powers [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].
Even if I dole out all that I have, to the poor in providing, food, and if I surrender my body to be burned or in order that I may glory, but have not love [God's love in me], I gain nothing.
(1 Cor. 13:1-3 AMP)
We can speak in tongues for two and three hours a day; but if we don't have love in our hearts, what's the point of praying? I mean, we've got to be willing to put the needs of others first in our prayers. Otherwise we're just making a lot of noise!
The Bible says we can operate in the gifts of the Spirit and have the anointing to prophesy, interpret tongues and lay hands on the sick. We can even understand mysteries, interpret dreams and have revelation knowledge. Yet, this passage says, "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]" (1 Cor. 13:2 AMP).
I don't know about you, but I have no intention of being a useless nobody—not on earth or in heaven!
Someone may be thinking, "When I get to heaven, they're going to put so many crowns on me that my head is going to tilt from all the weight." However, if you don't have love, all of heaven considers you nothing more than a useless nobody.
I'll tell you one thing, that phrase useless nobody gets my attention! I can preach messages that stir souls, and I can pack convention centers all around the world; but if I don't have love, I am a useless nobody.
We need to take some of the time and effort we put into other areas of our lives and put them into our love walk. It is our love for others that will make us a somebody in heaven.
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Creflo Dollar is a founder and senior pastor of World Changers Church International (WCCI). He's a world-renowned Bible teacher, sought-after conference speaker, and bestselling author with hundreds of books, CDs, and DVDs in distribution worldwide. Recognized for his cutting-edge revelation and humorous, pragmatic approach, he enables thousands to experience grace, restoration, healing, and financial breakthrough by applying simple, biblical principles to their lives. He is the author of such game-changing books as "The Radical Life of Grace" and "Why I Hate Religion", and his award-winning Changing Your World television broadcast reaches nearly 1 billion homes. His ministry includes an app available on mobile devices and smart TV's, a dedicated YouTube channel, and the Changing Your World Network, a 24-hour online channel. A thriving social media presence has allowed him to connect with World Changers worldwide.
