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

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Devo: Today's Verse
"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. If I have the gift of prophecy and can..."
The Greatest Is Love
Devo: Praying with Paul
"Dear Father, O God of love, If I could speak in all the languages of men and angels, and did not have love, I would be no more than a noisy gong or a..."
Love is Required
Illustration of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
Inspirational illustration of 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 -- 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. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and i
A More Excellent Way!
Devo: A Year with Jesus
"Dear Precious One, Some words are simply more important than others. In the human vocabulary that We — Father, Son, and Spirit — use, one..."

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.

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Praying with Paul
Features the apostle Paul's writings turned into daily, powerful prayers.
'Our Great High Priest' (He. 4:14-5:6)
"Dear Father, Eternal God, Enable us to hold fast to our confession of Jesus as our great High Priest. We adore him, for even though he passed through..."
What Jesus Did!
A daily guide from the gospels that challenges readers to live for Jesus.
'Not Enough?' (Mt. 20:10-12)
"[Jesus continued his parable about the Kingdom of Heaven being like workers hired at different times during the day:] "When those hired first came to...."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Don't Break His Heart' (Ep. 4:30)
"Don't grieve God. Don't break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don't..."
Morning & Evening
The classic twice-daily devotional from Charles H. Spurgeon.
Evening Thought: Job 7:12
"This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped...."

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.

More Together in Christ