“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.” ⎯ 1 Corinthians 13:1

Scripture can really come alive when we take time to examine a passage. Read the verse above again and take a moment to think what it means to you. Here’s some thoughts to help you dig a little deeper in the passage:

• The “tongues of men” refers to the emphasis Greek culture put on public speaking. An eloquent speaker was a superstar back then.
• The “tongues of angels” is literally a reference to the language angels would use to talk to God. Which is kind of cool. 
• The gong and cymbal were really loud instruments used to attract a crowd. Compared to eloquent speech and angel chit-chat, it was a pretty rough sound. 

Now take what you have learned and read 1 Corinthians 13:1 again and see if the passage takes on a different meaning. What does this verse mean? Here’s one thought: Even if we have the most eloquent speech on Earth or in the heavens, without love for others the noise from that kind of speech is loud and meaningless. 

Take a few minutes to consider the richness of that verse and how the words apply to your life.

Pray that God would give you a genuine love for others so that both your words and deeds would be pleasing to God.