Excel Still More
The Excel Still More podcast is designed to help Christians excel in their faith, their relationships, and really every part of their lives. If you are interested in growth in your faith, this is the show for you. If you want to see yourself reach greater heights, achieve powerful spiritual goals, and be a better servant of Christ, we are here to help. Each episode introduces a proven principle for achieving more. Then we show how the Word of God amplifies the idea. Finally, each episode will leave you with at least one practical project so you can put these tools into action today!Thanks for joining! Live your best life in Christ, and in whatever you do: Excel Still More!
Excel Still More
I Corinthians 13 - Daily Bible Devotional
Good morning! Thank you for taking a few minutes to listen. If you are interested in the Daily Bible Devotional, you can find it at the links below:
Amazon - (paperback, hardcover, and Kindle)
Spiritbuilding.com - (premium quality paperback)
Youtube Video Introducing the Content
Feel free to reach out with any questions: emersonk78@me.com
I Corinthians 13
Love is the premier quality and focus in the life of a believer. While spiritual gifts like prophecy, tongues, and knowledge held value, they were insignificant without love. Nothing disciples do has value unless infused with love. Love is fundamental to all Christian actions and relationships. Paul describes love as patient, kind, and selfless; it is never envious, boastful, or prideful. Love does not dishonor others, seek its own advantage, or delight in evil, but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and endures. Supernatural spiritual gifts were temporary and would cease to exist once the complete revelation of God was revealed. However, love is eternal and will last beyond this life. “But now faith, hope, love, abide these three; but the greatest of these is love.”
Christians in the first century had supernatural spiritual gifts. However, even those gifts held no value without heartfelt love. Today, we possess various abilities and knowledge. We can achieve great things, such as helping the poor and making personal sacrifices, but those actions only hold significance if driven by love for God and love for others. God calls for our patience, kindness, and enduring faith in others. If we teach and serve out of self-interest, we may accomplish good deeds, but God will not reward us. We must embody love in every action and in all things. We now have the complete revelation of scripture, and even so, faith and hope in the truth must be accompanied by abiding love.
Abiding God, we praise You for Your lovingkindness and daily mercies. We do not deserve Your grace, yet You sustain us each day. Father, help us to love others as You love us. Strengthen us to remove envy, pride, and selfishness from our hearts and to prioritize love for You and love for all our neighbors. Teach us to develop patience with others and to live in hope for better days, trusting that the truth can guide us to unity and peace. In lives filled with faith, hope, and love, remind us daily that the greatest of these is love.
Thought Questions:
- What happens if you have the truth but do not share it with love? Why is genuine care for others crucial in all you do in the name of Jesus?
- Love “bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things.” When are those things most needed among God’s people?
- If we have the complete revelation of God, why is love still needed? Why does fellowship require more than just “perfect” knowledge?