Two-minute read.
If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 13:3
Gain nothing.
Giving away everything you have to the less fortunate and sacrificing your life at the burning stake means nothing without love. Gaining nothing, believing, and doing anything without love makes you bankrupt.
“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott contains an infamous Christmas morning scene in the 2019 movie, as the four March sisters anxiously wait for their mother to return.[1] Marmee, coming from the less fortunate Hummel family, sits at the head of the table and shares the sad situation with them. Five children sleep in one bed to keep warm and have nothing to eat.
“My girls, will you give them your breakfast as a Christmas present,” their mother concludes.
As the camera pans around the table, the girl’s faces drop, knowing what they must do, but not overjoyed at the prospect.
“Is there where you say that father would want us to?” One of the girls asks.
Adjusting their attitudes, they pack up the meal and carry baskets full of blessings to the starving family. Approaching the tiny shack, hearing the cries of the baby from within the thin walls, their hearts soften; entering with sad faces, they move into action, sharing the food and blankets they brought. Joy fills the room as the two families intermingle.
The March women arrive home, content and happy, and find a feast waiting for them. Their rich neighbor, learning of the family’s sacrifice, sent them an even better breakfast than the one they gave away.
Love in action.
“Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.” Prov. 11:25
Serving a God, we can’t outgive, He notices every act of love. When we refresh others, we will find refreshment. Of course, the March sisters didn’t give their breakfast away, thinking they would get one better. We mustn’t do things with ulterior motives but with hearts full of love for our fellow humankind.
Acts of love will overflow our hearts, but those with other motives will find us bankrupt.
Love Drop Challenge:
Meet needs today. When you come across someone who has a need you can meet, please do it.
[1] https://youtu.be/32T5QHgfi30?si=5nl_6DPWWuKT0zdy
