Together in Christ: 'Moving Mountains Isn't Enough' — 1 Corinthians 13:2

Monday, February 5, 2024

If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing.

— 1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT

Key Thought

When Jesus' disciples came to Him and asked why they couldn't drive out a demon afflicting an oppressed boy, Jesus answered them and then gave them a promise:

Afterward the disciples asked Jesus privately, "Why couldn't we cast out that demon?"

"You don't have enough faith," Jesus told them. "I tell you the truth, if you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it would move. Nothing would be impossible."  [1]

This intriguing promise challenges us to have at least a mustard seed size of faith that God will do what only He can do. [2]

Many of us have had moments when we have wanted to move mountains — whether physical or spiritual — to bless others as well as experience and witness God's miraculous power. As Paul addressed the miracle-focused and spiritual-gifts-frenzied Corinthian believers, [3] Paul confronted them about an even more important power than mountain-moving faith: [4] LOVE! Love is the one powerful work of the Spirit that we must ALL have and must ALL demonstrate as we live with our brothers and sisters in Christ. [5] Every time our hearts yearn to possess what we may consider one the more amazing spiritual gifts, let's remind ourselves of this one essential gift, LOVE. [6] Love is what removes the mountains that separate people who should be in a close relationship with each other. So, let's live with love toward others as the Spirit inspires us to love like Jesus. [7]

[1] Matthew 17:19-20.
[2] Job 9:5.
[3] 1 Corinthians 1:7, 3:1-4, 12:12-31.
[4] 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-13.
[5] John 13:34-35; 1 John 3:16-18.
[6] 1 Corinthians 12:27-31, 13:1.
[7] Romans 5:5; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Peter 1:5-8.

Today's Prayer

Jesus, thank You for loving me. Forgive me when I grow jealous of others who have amazing abilities and gifts to use to bless Your people and experience Your Spirit's presence. I yearn to love others as You do, Father. I need people in my life to remind me what is most important to You, and I need the Spirit to empower me to love them as You do. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 Corinthians 12:1-28
  • 1 Peter 4:7-11

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Illustration

Illustration of 1 Corinthians 13:2 NLT — If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God's secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn't love others, I would be nothing.

About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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